Iran said Sunday it was nearing a final pact with Oman defining new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz but repeated that the United States must meet other conditions. [1] The New York Times reported that Iran's Saturday statement held firm to terms already sketched in June's memorandum. [2] Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday Iran and the United States are not in direct talks and Tehran will not start them while Washington breaches the June interim deal. [3]

The paper's Saturday lead recorded that Sunday's predecessor still had no signed paper. Sunday added conditions, not a signature.

Hopes fade is a Reuters headline, not a booking note. [1] Owners still cannot pay a fee that voids cover. Araghchi's no-talks line is the Sunday fact. [3]

-- YOSEF STERN, Jerusalem