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Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement regarding the control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for international oil shipments. A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that Washington expects a deal soon between the two nations, which border the strategic waterway. The resumption of normal oil traffic is seen as a key outcome of such an agreement.

This potential accord between Iran and Oman is considered vital for a broader resolution to the conflict that erupted following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed that Iran and Oman are "very close" to finalizing a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. However, he stressed that reopening the strait is contingent on further conditions, including compensation from the US to Iran.

Araqchi noted that the previous shipping traffic separation scheme is no longer acceptable to Tehran. Iran is currently discussing a temporary route with Oman while technical and legal aspects of a permanent solution are being addressed. In response to the US attacks, Iran has targeted US bases in Gulf states and Jordan, as well as shipping traffic within the narrow strait, which historically handled a fifth of the world's oil and gas shipments before the conflict.

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There is progress between Oman and Iran on the strait, and we expect a deal soon. Once the deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports.

Adding to the tensions, the United Arab Emirates reported that Iran had missile-struck a carrier affiliated with its state oil company as it transited the Strait of Hormuz. No injuries were reported in this latest escalation of attacks on shipping. Iranian authorities have not yet commented, and Iranian media have quoted the UAE report without including the accusation against Iran.

A US official reiterated that "progress is being made between Oman and Iran on the strait, and we expect a deal soon." The official added, "Once the deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports." However, Iran's Revolutionary Guards countered that reopening the Strait of Hormuz hinges on Washington accepting Iran's conditions, independent of the Iran-Oman negotiations. Guards spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi stated that Washington must cease interfering in regional negotiations for the strait to reopen.

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Whenever the United States accepts Iran’s conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will certainly be reopened.