Iran and Oman have reached an interim agreement to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route, according to an Iranian official. The deal, detailed in a joint statement released Tuesday, includes provisions for a joint temporary navigational corridor and an agreement to jointly clear mines from the waterway. Both nations have committed to continuing negotiations over the coming months to establish a more permanent solution for managing traffic and security in the Strait.
The framework for the temporary reopening outlines that inbound traffic from the Gulf of Oman into the Persian Gulf will pass through Iranian territory. Outbound traffic will traverse areas partly within Iranian waters and partly within Omani waters. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that technical negotiations will continue with the aim of agreeing on a permanent navigational corridor, future administration of the Strait, and mechanisms for information sharing, traffic management, and navigational and security services.
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi expressed optimism about the reopening, describing his talks with his Iranian counterpart as constructive. However, Iran has indicated that the deal with Oman will not immediately restore traffic to pre-conflict levels. Tehran insists the waterway will only be fully open once the U.S. meets its peace conditions, which include lifting naval blockades on Iranian ports and removing sanctions that restrict Iran's oil sales.
Previous statements from Iran and Oman had suggested the possibility of a toll system for the Strait. The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, is vital for global energy transport, carrying approximately 20% of the world's oil supply.
Meanwhile, Pakistan's army chief and interior minister met with Iranian officials in Tehran as part of Islamabad's mediation efforts to end a conflict in Iran that is approaching its seventh month. Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi described the talks as productive and expressed hope that the momentum would lead to lasting peace in the region.
Separately, President Trump stated that "every square inch" of the Strait of Hormuz has been de-mined and is under monitoring by the U.S. Space Force, warning of a "Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement."