Tanker off Oman reports explosion near vessel: monitor

The master of a tanker off the coast of Oman has reported hearing an explosion near the vessel, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre reported Sunday.

"The vessel and crew are all reported as safe," said the UKMTO. The master is the highest-ranking person on an oil tanker.

The incident happened 20 nautical miles (37 kilometres) northeast of Khasab, in Oman, the monitor added.

"Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity," the UKMTO advised.

The report came as Iran said Sunday it was nearing a deal with Oman over a new route through the Strait of Hormuz, hours after the US called off major strikes to allow for diplomacy.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei told state television that a deal was close with Oman, which sits on the other side of the strait, over a new route through it.

But he insisted that such an agreement did not mean the reopening of the strait.