Middle East diplomats: Progress made on temporary Strait of Hormuz shipping deal

Progress has been made in efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, according to two Middle Eastern diplomats, although a final agreement has not yet been reached. The negotiations are focused on establishing a temporary arrangement to reopen the vital shipping lane.

Iran has put forward a proposal to Oman for a temporary solution. This plan involves allowing one direction of traffic to pass through Iranian waters, with a portion of the opposite route also situated within Iranian territory. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Tehran rejected an Omani proposal for an equal division of transit routes, asserting it did not address Iran's security concerns amid a lack of long-term regional stability.

Earlier, Oman had presented a proposal for joint regional management of the Strait, including the possibility of shipping firms paying voluntary fees. However, Gharibabadi indicated that the Strait would remain closed if Muscat rejected Iran's proposal, adding that Tehran has never recognized the southern route along Oman's coast.

The emerging proposal, as described by the diplomats, centers on a temporary solution that would establish a central shipping route through the strait, situated between Omani and Iranian territorial waters. They emphasized that this would be a short-term arrangement. Talks are continuing, with significant progress reported. According to The Wall Street Journal, these negotiations are narrowly focused on shipping and are not intended to fully resolve the broader conflict. Mediators hope that a temporary agreement on shipping will help cool tensions and pave the way for more comprehensive discussions.

“

It was a very positive meeting. You could see the chemistry between the leaders.