Iranian authorities say an arrangement with Oman over vessel routes through the Strait of Hormuz is close to completion, but a full reopening of the strategic waterway will depend on concessions from the United States.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Saturday that the agreement was “very close”. He said Iran’s decision would also depend on whether the US honours commitments made in a June memorandum of understanding that Tehran says were violated.
At a glance:
- Inbound vessels would use a northern lane through Iranian territorial waters.
- Outbound vessels would use a southern lane in Omani waters, coordinated with Iran.
- Iran says full reopening requires further US steps, including issues involving the waterway and military presence.
- The strait carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil in peacetime.
What Iran and Oman have agreed
Iran and Oman have agreed on the coordinates for routes that vessels would take through the waterway. Inbound traffic is expected to pass through a northern lane in Iranian territorial waters, while outbound traffic would use a southern lane in Omani waters under coordination with Tehran.
Related coverage: Iran-Oman Talks Show Progress on Strait of Hormuz Shipping.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry said a joint statement could follow if the arrangement brings some traffic back to the strait. Hassan Qashqavi, spokesperson for Iran’s national security commission, said Friday that the framework had been agreed and was awaiting approval from higher levels.
Why full reopening remains conditional
Araghchi said a limited arrangement with Oman would not by itself settle the question of fully reopening the strait. Iran has accused the US of backing a southern Omani route without coordinating with Tehran, failing to stop Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and refusing to unfreeze Iranian funds held abroad under sanctions.
Hossein Mohebbi, spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, separately said reopening had its own mechanism and was separate from the Oman negotiations. He said the US would have to accept conditions set by Iran and urged President Donald Trump’s administration not to interfere in the talks.
More context: Iran Attacks Tankers in Hormuz Strait as US War Efforts Stall.
Unresolved security and shipping questions
US media have reported that an interim arrangement could last 60 days and be extended. Discussions have also included clearing naval mines from a possible central corridor, the passage of military vessels and a coordinated fee system, although the supplied reporting does not establish that these measures have been finalised.
Iran has said that lifting a US naval blockade of its southern ports and drawing back US military assets would be necessary on the path to a full reopening. Maritime traffic has increased from its recent low levels but remains well below unobstructed pre-war volumes, and some ships have switched off transponders to avoid detection.
Regional and market effects
The United Arab Emirates said Saturday that a missile targeted an Abu Dhabi National Oil Company vessel crossing the strait, with no casualties reported. The UAE Foreign Ministry condemned attacks on commercial shipping and warned of risks to regional stability and global energy security.
Also read: UK and France remain cautious on Strait of Hormuz coalition.
Diplomatic progress has been welcomed by energy markets. Brent crude closed Friday at about $83 per barrel, while Iran’s currency strengthened to 1.85 million rials per US dollar on Saturday from roughly 1.94 million the previous week. The Tehran Stock Exchange’s main index rose just over 2 percent to 5.52 million.
Questions readers ask
Are all vessels able to use the Strait of Hormuz again?
No. Traffic has relatively rebounded from recent lows but remains far from unobstructed pre-war levels. The proposed arrangement is intended to bring back some traffic, not to confirm a full reopening.
What must happen before Iran fully reopens the strait?
Iran says the US must honour commitments in the June memorandum of understanding and address conditions including the US naval presence and blockade of southern ports. Iranian officials have not announced that those requirements have been met.
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