India, Aug. 5 -- The fresh diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the Middle East have put the Strait of Hormuz back in focus again, with reports indicating that the US is close to finalising an interim agreement with Iran and Oman to restore the commercial shipping through the strategically vital waterway.

While US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about the ongoing negotiations and hinted that progress is being made, Iranian officials continue to accuse Washington of delaying a deal through military pressure.

At the same time, Qatar has stepped up its mediation efforts, and the US military has reaffirmed that commercial vessels can continue using the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz.

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