Iran announced on Wednesday that it has reached an agreement with Oman regarding a new maritime transit route through the Hormuz Strait, which borders both nations, according to reports from France Presse.
“The geographical coordinates of the route have been approved,” stated Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for the Iranian foreign ministry, as cited by the official news agency Irna.
Warning Against Interference from Third Parties
Baghaei emphasized that Iran and Oman are working on a “joint declaration,” contingent on the condition that “third parties do not interfere with the process.”
Since resuming hostilities with the United States in early July, Iran has once again blocked the strategic Hormuz Strait, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil trade passed before the war.
Former President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that Tehran is seeking an agreement to reopen this maritime route; however, Iran denies this and maintains that it will reach an agreement with its neighbor across the strait, Oman.
Challenges in Negotiations
Vice President JD Vance acknowledged on Wednesday during an appearance on Fox News that negotiations with Iran have been challenging, noting that the Trump administration experienced both progress and setbacks in its efforts to secure a deal.
“It will be complicated and take a long time to reach an agreement,” he admitted, attributing these challenges to divisions within the Iranian power structure, where some officials seek to end the conflict while “radical elements” desire its continuation.
“First and foremost, Iranians are extremely difficult people. Secondly, their system is fragmented,” Vance remarked.
Concerns Over U.S. Actions
According to Baghaei, discussions with Muscat are advancing, but even if an agreement is reached, it would not mean that transit would be risk-free, as “the factors creating insecurity in the Hormuz Strait still exist due to the United States.”
He pointed to the naval blockade imposed by Washington as retaliation for Tehran’s closure of the strait, along with “other aggressive and threatening actions against Iran and its interests.”
Trump stated on Tuesday that the strait would reopen “very soon”; otherwise, Iran would face “very strong” repercussions and indicated that an agreement might be finalized by Thursday. Nevertheless, Tehran has denied any discussions with Washington.
Iran does not wish to return to the pre-war situation and currently permits only a single route along its coasts. Tehran is considering introducing service fees, a proposal rejected by the United States and other countries, which contravenes international maritime law.
The establishment of an Omani route in June sparked Iran’s fury, leading to a series of attacks on vessels.
