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Iran says Strait of Hormuz deal 'very close' but won't solve waterway issues alone
🇮🇪 Ireland /Conflict & Security

Iran says Strait of Hormuz deal 'very close' but won't solve waterway issues alone

From Irish Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Iran and Oman are reportedly close to a deal on controlling the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran says it won't solve the waterway's issues alone.
  • The UAE reported Iran attacked another ship in the strait, escalating tensions.
  • The US anticipates an agreement soon, which could lead to the lifting of port blockades if Iran meets its commitments.

Iran announced on Saturday that a deal with Oman regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz is nearing completion, but stressed that it would not be sufficient on its own to reopen the vital waterway. This comes as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that Iran had struck another vessel in the strait, further escalating recent tensions.

very close

— Abbas AraqchiDescribing the progress of the deal between Iran and Oman on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.

A U.S. official indicated on Friday that Washington expects an agreement soon between Iran and Oman, neighbors on either side of the strategic strait. Such an accord is viewed as critical for a broader resolution to the conflict that began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28th. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that while Iran and Oman are "very close" to an agreement on a new shipping route, reopening the strait hinges on additional conditions, including U.S. compensation to Iran. Tehran finds the previous traffic separation scheme unacceptable and is discussing a temporary route with Oman while permanent solutions are worked out.

There is progress between Oman and Iran on the strait, and we expect a deal soon.

— US officialCommenting on the anticipated agreement between Iran and Oman.

Iran has been targeting shipping in the narrow strait, which previously handled a fifth of the world's oil and gas, in response to U.S. attacks. The UAE reported that Iran attacked a carrier affiliated with its state oil company with a missile, though no injuries were reported. Iranian media quoted the UAE report but omitted the accusation against Iran. The Trump administration has repeatedly signaled an imminent deal to open the strait, only for Iran to deny ongoing talks, leaving the outcome of current negotiations uncertain.

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

— US officialStating the U.S. condition for lifting port blockades.

"There is progress between Oman and Iran on the strait, and we expect a deal soon," a U.S. official told Reuters. "Once the deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports." However, the official cautioned that U.S. actions would remain "performance-based and tied to Iran’s implementation of its commitments." Iran's Revolutionary Guards spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi added that reopening the strait depends on Washington accepting Iran's conditions and not interfering in regional negotiations, stating, "Whenever the United States accepts Iran’s conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will certainly be reopened."

As always, US actions will continue to be performance-based and tied to Iran’s implementation of its commitments.

— US officialEmphasizing that U.S. actions depend on Iran's compliance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Irish Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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