Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Deal Is in 'Final Stage'
Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Iran's Foreign Ministry announced a deal with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz is in its final stages.
- The ministry cited ongoing US actions as a potential obstruction to the deal and the return of normal shipping flow.
- The agreement could allow ships to travel through Iranian and Omani waters, paying fees for safe passage, while the US maintains a naval blockade.
Iran's Foreign Ministry announced that a deal with Oman concerning the control and passage through the Strait of Hormuz is nearing completion, potentially resolving a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies.
The ministry stated the agreement is in its "final stage" and expected to be implemented soon, provided "certain parties do not obstruct this process." While not explicitly named, the statement strongly implies that the United States, particularly under President Donald Trump, is viewed as a potential obstacle.
"The factors making the Strait of Hormuz insecure still exist on the part of the United States, particularly the naval blockade and other aggressive and threatening actions against Iran and its interests," the ministry declared. The US initiated actions that led to the shutdown of the waterway earlier in the year.
Pakistan, acting as a mediator, has praised Oman's role in facilitating the deal, suggesting it could pave the way for broader peace negotiations between Iran and the US. The proposed agreement might permit ships to transit through Iranian and Omani waters, requiring them to pay fees for safe passage. This contrasts with the US insistence on free and unimpeded traffic, as it existed before the conflict escalated.
Currently, a complex situation exists where Iran controls ship movements within the strait, while the US maintains a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The global economy is already strained by the economic impact of the ongoing conflict, and pressure is mounting on the US administration to de-escalate before upcoming elections.
The factors making the Strait of Hormuz insecure still exist on the part of the United States, particularly the naval blockade and other aggressive and threatening actions against Iran and its interests.
Originally published by Tempo. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.