On Wednesday, Iran confirmed it has reached an agreement with Oman concerning a new maritime transit route through the critically important Strait of Hormuz. This strait plays a vital role in global energy trade, with both countries having significant stakes in its navigation, amidst ongoing tensions with the United States, according to AFP.
Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, stated that the geographical coordinates of the proposed route have received approval. He mentioned that both nations are currently drafting a “joint declaration,” contingent on third parties not obstructing the process.
Since the resurgence of hostilities with the United States in early July, Iran has effectively blocked access through the Strait of Hormuz, which prior to the conflict facilitated the movement of one-fifth of the world’s oil trade.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Tehran desires to finalize an agreement to reopen this crucial maritime passage. However, Iran denies these assertions, indicating that it is more inclined to collaborate with Oman, located directly across the strait.
According to Baghaei, negotiations with Muscat are progressing. Nonetheless, even if an agreement is reached, he cautioned that the passage of vessels would not be without risks, citing continued concerns from the United States as a lingering factor contributing to the strait’s instability.
He highlighted the naval blockade imposed by the U.S. military as a response to Iran’s blockade of the strait, along with other aggressive actions directed against Iran and its interests.
On Tuesday, Trump asserted that the strait would reopen “very soon,” warning that if not, Iran would face severe consequences. He expressed confidence that an agreement could be concluded by Thursday.
Potential Terms of the Iran-Oman Agreement
The proposed deal between Iran and Oman would grant Tehran control over vessels entering the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz. This move, noted by a high-ranking Iranian source and two regional officials earlier on Wednesday to Reuters, represents one of the most significant concessions to Iran thus far.
Despite this apparent step towards addressing Tehran’s demands, sources cited by Reuters dismissed Trump’s claims that an agreement to reopen the strait is imminent, emphasizing that critical details still need to be agreed upon.
One regional source remarked that a concession regarding some level of control over the Strait of Hormuz has already been made, while another noted that further clarification is necessary regarding the definition of “control.” Negotiators from the Gulf are insisting that regional countries oversee vessel inspections, and any associated fees should be voluntary.
The high-ranking Iranian source indicated that the draft agreement currently under negotiation stipulates that Iran would maintain authority over vessels heading towards the Persian Gulf through the strait, with one of the main sticking points being Tehran’s role concerning vessels traveling in the opposite direction.
There has been no immediate response from Washington regarding the proposed agreement. U.S. officials have repeatedly insisted they will never accept a deal allowing Iran to control access to this crucial global trade route for energy supplies. However, in recent days, Trump and senior members of his administration have suggested that a resolution to the conflict initiated by the U.S. in February may be near, despite public opposition from the majority of American voters according to polls.
