Iran Says Hormuz Deal Close, Sets US Conditions
Iran says it is close to reaching an agreement with Oman over a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, but has warned that the deal alone will not reopen the strategic waterway to normal commercial traffic.
Iran, Oman Near Strait of Hormuz Deal
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran and Muscat were “very close” to an agreement covering a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran and Oman sit on opposite sides of the waterway, which was responsible for around one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the current conflict disrupted maritime traffic.
Oman has described the negotiations as positive and constructive. A temporary shipping route is being discussed while technical and legal issues surrounding a permanent arrangement are resolved.
Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening Hormuz
Iran has stressed that an agreement with Oman would not automatically restore unrestricted shipping through the strait.
Tehran is demanding compensation from the United States, an end to threats and military action, removal of sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
Iran has also demanded an end to attacks targeting its regional allies in Lebanon, Palestine, Yemen and Iraq.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strait would reopen only when Washington accepts Iran’s wider conditions.
Hormuz Shipping Crisis Hits Global Energy
The negotiations come as attacks on commercial shipping continue. The UAE said a carrier affiliated with its state oil company was struck by a missile while passing through the strait, although no injuries were reported.
Iran has used the conflict to impose restrictions and tolls on oil tankers, severely disrupting energy shipments.
The United States has indicated it could lift its blockade of Iranian ports once an agreement restoring commercial shipping is implemented.
