DUBAI: Pakistan said on Tuesday the United States and Iran were close to “some sort” of deal, and fellow mediator Qatar said talks on managing the Strait of Hormuz were at an advanced stage, despite reports of new attacks on shipping in regional waters. The comments offered some hope that Iran and the US can end a stalemate that has in effect blocked the vital waterway, through which a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flowed before the war. Prospects for a deal had appeared to dim on Monday after the sides’ latest remarks and demands.

A U.S. official said on Friday that Washington anticipated an agreement soon between Iran and Oman, so normal oil traffic could resume.

Iran and Oman are nearing a deal for a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. This agreement is seen as vital for ending the ongoing war and resuming normal oil traffic.…