U.S.-Iran MOU revival talks focus on Hormuz shipping route

Mediated negotiations are reportedly underway to revive a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran, aiming to de-escalate tensions and potentially reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Citing diplomatic sources, Israeli Channel 12 reported that a proposed agreement includes a 60-day toll-free opening of the Strait and a resumption of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

According to the report, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi agreed to a compromise on opening the Strait of Hormuz, which then led U.S. President Donald Trump to cancel planned attacks. The proposed compromise, brokered by Qatar and the U.S., would allow vessels to enter the Persian Gulf via waters controlled by Iran and exit through Omani waters. Oman has reportedly agreed to this plan, but Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has demanded assurances of compliance, which Qatar is seeking to secure.

“

As long as the United States continues its hostile actions, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to vessels not coordinated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

However, Iran has vehemently denied these reports. The semi-official Fars News Agency quoted an Iranian negotiating team member stating that the Channel 12 report was "false." The source added, "As long as the United States continues its hostile actions, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to vessels not coordinated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps."

“

The bilateral negotiations have entered their 'final phase.'

Separately, Iran and Oman are in the final stages of negotiating a new shipping route in the Persian Gulf. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi announced that the bilateral negotiations have entered their "final phase." Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, indicated that the discussions involve establishing a "new operating route" distinct from existing northern or southern passages. He emphasized that this new route must respect the sovereignty of both nations while safeguarding Iran's national interests and security.

Despite the progress in Iran-Oman talks, Baghaei clarified that an agreement on a new route does not automatically signify the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. He stressed that the new route agreement and the opening or closure of the Strait are separate issues, and Iran will not permit the existing southern route along the Omani coast. The Financial Times previously identified the agreement on managing vessel passage as a key hurdle in reviving the U.S.-Iran MOU, framing the Iran-Oman talks as technical, practical negotiations essential for operationalizing any broader political-military agreement between the U.S. and Iran.

“

A new operating route should be established in a way that respects the sovereignty of both countries and guarantees Iran's national interests and security.