Two regional sources told CBS News that discussions between Muscat and Tehran have advanced, but more time is needed before the two sides can reach an agreement.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei also confirmed progress, describing the negotiations as “productive” while saying technical and political consultations are still ongoing.

The fresh push came after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran on Friday for talks with Iranian officials on arrangements to govern navigation through the strait.

The visit is part of continuing consultations aimed at establishing mechanisms to manage commercial shipping through the strategic waterway, Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also spoke by phone with his Omani counterpart, Badr Albusaidi. The two officials discussed regional developments, maritime security and the movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf.

The talks come as efforts to reopen the waterway face unresolved disputes over its management.

A Pakistani-brokered memorandum of understanding reached in June has been suspended since early July, when disagreements over the management of the Strait of Hormuz reignited fighting between the United States and Iran across the region.