Iran says Oman deal is in 'final stages,' but US must act first to open Strait of Hormuz

Iran announced that a deal with Oman to define new shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz is in its final stages, but reiterated that the waterway's reopening hinges on the United States meeting specific conditions. A US official had previously indicated to Reuters that an agreement was close, potentially reopening the strait which previously handled a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before Iran blocked it.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that while the agreement with Oman is nearing completion, the strait's reopening is conditional. He explained that the deal would outline new shipping lanes to be used once the US fulfills Iran's demands. Araghchi also confirmed that Iran is not engaged in direct talks with the US and will not initiate them as long as Washington breaches an interim deal signed in June, with messages being exchanged only through intermediaries.

The US had initiated air strikes against Iran in late February, citing concerns about its nuclear program and regional missile activities. A ceasefire was agreed upon in June, but the US reimposed a blockade on Iranian shipping in July, which Tehran viewed as a violation of the truce. The US official stated that lifting the blockade on Iranian ports would be tied to Iran's implementation of its commitments. However, Iran's response suggests additional factors will influence the process, with Araghchi listing conditions such as US compensation for attacks and an end to threats and sanctions against Iran and its allies.

Adding to regional tensions, the United Arab Emirates reported that Iran had attacked a ship affiliated with its state oil company, though Iran had not immediately commented. The situation remains complex, with the latest status of the agreement unclear and Iran's conditions extending beyond the immediate reopening of the strait.