The United States and Iran appeared closer to a possible breakthrough on Friday as regional mediators pushed for a deal to end months of conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Senior UAE official Anwar Gargash warned the chances of success remain “50-50”, even as reports emerged that Washington and Tehran could announce a draft ceasefire and sanctions framework within hours. Follow our live coverage for the latest updates.03:16 PM, 22 May 2026UAE backs IMO on Gulf safety amid Iran threatsThe United Arab Emirates (UAE) welcomes the decision of the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), to adopt a resolution during its 111th session, that was proposed by the UAE and co-sponsored by many member States. Through the resolution, Member States have expressed grave concern of Iran’s use of drones, missiles and sea mines in and around the Strait of Hormuz, and the serious threat posed to safe navigation and seafarers. To date, Iran’s egregious attacks have resulted in the death of at least eleven seafarers and more than 20,000 seafarers stranded.The resolution also stresses the critical importance of maintaining the freedom of navigation of commercial ships in the Arabian Sea and Sea of Oman, and the right of transit passage in one of the worlds' most critical international waterways. To that end, it encourages States to take coordinated steps to contribute to the safe navigation of commercial and merchant vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz.02:30 PM, 22 May 2026Gargash says '50-50' chance of US-Iran agreement on Hormuz strait