Oman has reported that positive discussions are underway with Iran concerning an agreement to secure a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran has cautioned that any potential deal would not lead to the immediate reopening of the critical maritime passage.
Officials from both sides suggested progress in recent days, though the timeline for finalizing an agreement remains uncertain. Oman's foreign ministry has issued a warning against actions that could disrupt shipping and jeopardize these talks.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that negotiations are in their final stages but emphasized that the reopening of the strait is "subject to other conditions." He indicated that these conditions include Iran receiving compensation from the United States for what Tehran characterizes as violations of a June Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ending hostilities and advancing peace talks. That initial MoU reportedly faltered, leading to renewed retaliatory actions shortly after its signing.
Iran's security chief, Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, told the semi-official Tasnim news agency that the Strait of Hormuz would not be reopened until the U.S. alters its conduct. Zolqadr outlined six demands for Iran, including an end to threats against Iran, the lifting of its naval blockade on Iranian ports, and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
Separately, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis have maintained a blockade on Saudi Arabia's ports in the Red Sea since July 20.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas typically flows. This waterway has faced effective blockades by Iran since February, following the commencement of attacks by the U.S. and Israel. The recent talks have specifically focused on a potential arrangement between Iran and Oman to establish a new route within the strait, for which both nations would share responsibility, with the hope of facilitating the resumption of shipping traffic.