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Iran says Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman is close but needs more than just an agreement
🇸🇬 Singapore /Conflict & Security

Iran says Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman is close but needs more than just an agreement

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Iran and Oman are reportedly close to an agreement on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran insists this alone won't reopen the waterway.
  • Iran states that reopening the strait also depends on other conditions, including compensation from the United States.
  • The UAE reported that Iran attacked another ship in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim Iran has not directly commented on.

Iran announced on Saturday that it is "very close" to an agreement with Oman regarding a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stressed that this deal alone would not be sufficient to reopen the vital waterway. He indicated that other conditions must be met, including the United States providing compensation to Iran.

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

— US officialA US official commenting on the anticipated agreement between Iran and Oman.

The previous shipping traffic separation scheme through the strait is no longer acceptable to Tehran, Araqchi stated. Iran is currently discussing a temporary route with Oman while technical and legal aspects of a permanent solution are being resolved. The Strait of Hormuz, which carried a fifth of the world's oil and gas shipments before the recent conflict, has been a focal point of tensions. Iran has responded to US and Israeli attacks, which began on February 28, by targeting US bases and shipping in the region.

Adding to the escalating situation, the United Arab Emirates reported that Iran had attacked a carrier affiliated with its state oil company with a missile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. No injuries were reported in this incident. Iranian authorities have not immediately commented on the UAE's accusation, and Iranian media quoted the UAE report without including the specific blame directed at Iran.

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

— US officialA US official outlining the conditions for lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports.

A US official, speaking anonymously, indicated that Washington anticipates an agreement soon between Iran and Oman, which would allow normal oil traffic to resume. The official added that once the deal is announced and commercial shipping is restored without impediments, the United States will lift its blockade of Iranian ports. However, the official cautioned that US actions remain "performance-based and tied to Iran’s implementation of its commitments."

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

— US officialA US official emphasizing the conditional nature of US actions regarding Iran.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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