Iran Says Hormuz Agreement with Oman Is Close, but Reopening Depends on US

TEHRAN: Iran and Oman have agreed on a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz and are finalising plans to jointly manage the strategic waterway, Iranian officials said.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the two countries have agreed on the geographical route and are reviewing a joint statement. He added that the agreement could move forward if “certain third parties do not obstruct the process.”

However, Baqaei said reopening the Strait of Hormuz would still depend on the United States ending what Iran called its naval blockade of Iranian ports. He said “The factors making the Strait of Hormuz insecure still exist on the part of the United States, particularly the naval blockade and other aggressive and threatening actions against Iran and its interests.”

Security concerns remain in the region. Britain’s maritime security agency said the captain of an oil tanker heard two explosions while passing through the Strait of Hormuz near Oman, although the ship and crew were reported safe.

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Houthi group claimed it attacked two Saudi oil tankers with missiles. Saudi authorities have not yet commented on the claim.

Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz carried about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Ongoing tensions have kept global energy markets on edge.

US Vice President JD Vance said talks with Iran would take time because of divisions within the country’s leadership. He said, “It’s going to be messy, and it’s going to take some time to get there,” adding, “The reality… is that number one, the Iranians are extraordinarily difficult people. Number two, they have a fractured system.”

Iran has denied reports of direct negotiations with Washington and says it is working with Oman on arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz instead.