The Sultanate of Oman convened high-level meetings with Iranian officials on Sunday to discuss the growing maritime crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. The talks come as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that "all hell" would break loose if Tehran does not reopen the vital waterway within 24 hours.

The meeting, held at the undersecretary level, included technical experts from both nations tasked with finding a mechanism to ensure the "smooth flow of transit" through the strait, which has been effectively blocked since late February.

Trump’s Ultimatum: 24 Hours Remaining

The diplomatic scramble in Muscat is underscored by a ticking clock in Washington. On Saturday, President Trump issued a stark ultimatum via Truth Social, reminding Tehran of a deadline that expires on April 6.

"Time is running out — 48 hours before all hell will reign down on them!" Trump posted, specifically threatening Iran’s energy and electrical infrastructure if a deal is not reached.

U.S. demands include a 15-point proposal requiring Iran to abandon its nuclear program, surrender high-enriched uranium, and dismantle its missile capabilities.

Iran Softens Stance on Iraq Shipping

In a rare sign of de-escalation, Tehran announced on Saturday that it would exempt Iraq from its navigation restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. While the waterway remains closed to U.S., Israeli, and allied vessels, the exception for "brotherly Iraq" is seen as a strategic move to maintain regional ties and allow Iraqi oil to reach global markets.

The Role of Mediators

While Oman focuses on maritime technicalities, Pakistan continues its efforts to broker a broader ceasefire.

• The Iranian Position: Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed gratitude for Islamabad's mediation but maintained that any deal requires a "final and permanent end to the war" and compensation for damages.
• The American Position: The White House has signaled that its military objectives are nearing completion, suggesting that if no deal is struck by Monday, a massive air campaign against Iranian infrastructure is imminent.

As the April 6 deadline approaches, the region remains on high alert, with the global economy bracing for the potential fallout of a total energy blockade or a significant escalation in the six-week-old conflict.