Gulf official says 50-50 chance of Iran-Oman deal on Strait of Hormuz by Friday

There is a "50:50" chance Iran and Oman will reach a deal on Friday, according to a senior Gulf official familiar with the talks, despite US President Donald Trump suggesting an agreement was imminent, Report informs.

The Gulf source told CNN that the Iranian delegation does not include the voice of the hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which would have to sign off on the details of a provisional agreement.

Trump claimed US officials were having "very good discussions" with Iranian counterparts – but doubled down on threats to "hit" the country "really hard" if officials "back out again" of a deal.

In separate comments he also suggested an agreement on the strait could come as early as today.