Iran Nears Strait of Hormuz Shipping Deal with Oman, Demands U.S. Conditions Met

Iran announced it is in the final stages of reaching an agreement with Oman to establish new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Tehran reiterated that the United States must fulfill specific conditions before the strategic waterway can be reopened.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on Sunday that while the deal with Oman is nearing completion, Iran will not reopen the strait unless the U.S. meets Tehran's demands. These demands, as outlined by the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, include compensation for damages caused by U.S. actions, an end to U.S. threats and aggression, the removal of a U.S. naval blockade in the Gulf, lifting sanctions on Iran, and releasing frozen Iranian assets.

A U.S. official had previously told Reuters that Iran and Oman were close to a deal that could restore safe passage through the strait. This waterway is crucial for oil and gas shipping and was blocked by Iran in response to U.S. and Israeli attacks that began in late February. The agreement with Oman would reportedly set out the new shipping lanes to be used once the U.S. fulfills its conditions and the strait is reopened.

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We are only semi-negotiating with them. We are just watching Iran with its huge inflation and the fact they have no money.

Direct talks between Iran and the U.S. are not currently underway, with Tehran indicating it will not initiate them as long as Washington violates an interim deal signed in June. Messages are being exchanged through intermediaries. U.S. President Donald Trump described the U.S. approach to Iran as "low-keying it," stating they were only "semi-negotiating" and observing Iran's economic struggles.

The U.S. official indicated a delicate sequencing for the deal, suggesting that Iran would gain control over vessel traffic entering the Gulf once the agreement is announced and commercial shipping is restored without impediments. The U.S. actions would be contingent on Iran's implementation of its commitments.

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Once the deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports.