Iran, Oman Near Hormuz Reopening Deal
Iran and Oman are reportedly close to finalising an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf with international shipping lanes. However, Iranian officials have indicated that important details remain unresolved despite claims that an agreement is imminent.
Iran-Oman Strait of Hormuz Deal
Under the proposed arrangement, Iran would reportedly oversee vessels entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, while Oman would manage outbound maritime traffic. The two countries control opposite sides of the narrow waterway and have been negotiating a joint framework for restoring shipping activity.
The strait has remained largely closed since the regional conflict escalated in February, severely disrupting commercial shipping and energy transportation. Around one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies traditionally passes through the route.
Iran Seeks Control Over Shipping Traffic
Tehran has insisted that the Strait of Hormuz will not return to operating under the same conditions that existed before the conflict. Iran is seeking greater authority over vessels using the waterway as part of any reopening agreement.
Iran has also linked the restoration of shipping traffic to the lifting of the United States’ blockade on Iranian ports. Officials have cautioned that negotiations are continuing and that several operational and political issues still require agreement.
Middle East Maritime Tensions Continue
The proposed deal comes amid continuing instability across major Middle Eastern shipping routes. Maritime traffic through both the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait has fallen sharply as regional attacks and military operations intensify.
Meanwhile, Israel and Lebanon have resumed US-mediated negotiations in Rome following renewed violence in southern Lebanon. Separate tensions also remain high around Yemen after Houthi forces claimed attacks on Saudi oil tankers using ballistic missiles.
