Iran, Oman Near Deal on Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route

Iran and Oman are reportedly on the verge of an agreement to establish a new shipping route through the vital Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's state-run IRNA news agency. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghai stated that the two nations have agreed on geographical coordinates for passage, and a joint declaration is "as good as ready." However, he cautioned that an agreement alone does not guarantee safe shipping, linking security to ongoing U.S. actions against Iran.

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The two countries have agreed on geographical coordinates for the passage, and a joint statement is as good as ready, but no one should interfere anymore.

While Oman has not yet publicly commented, the U.S. has reportedly not been involved in these negotiations. Iran has consistently asserted its unwillingness to negotiate with the U.S. and intends to charge fees for ships transiting the strait, a move vehemently opposed by Washington. This development comes as U.S. President Donald Trump had previously warned Iran of severe consequences if the strait, essential for global trade in oil, LNG, and fertilizer, remained blocked.

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A unilateral agreement alone does not guarantee safe shipping through the strait. The security situation continues to be linked to the ongoing US blockade of Iranian ports and other aggressive and threatening measures against Iran.

Since the war, which began in late February with coordinated attacks by the U.S. and Israel, Tehran has largely blocked the strait. Approximately one-fifth of the world's traded oil and LNG passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kasem Gharibabadi confirmed that the agreement is close to completion, describing it as a new model rather than a full reopening of the strait. A senior Gulf state official familiar with the talks reportedly assessed the chances of a deal by Friday at 50:50, noting that the absence of Revolutionary Guard representatives in the Iranian delegation could be a hurdle, as they must approve the details.

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An agreement between Iran and Oman on new regulations for shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is close to completion.