Iran and Oman Near Interim Deal on Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz

Iran and Oman are close to reaching an interim understanding on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with consultations continuing over arrangements to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei has said.

Baghaei said the proposed arrangement should not be interpreted as meaning that the strategic waterway would be fully reopened. Instead, the two countries are discussing practical measures to facilitate safe navigation through the strait, one of the world’s most important routes for international energy shipments.

The Iranian spokesperson stressed that a lasting mechanism would be needed to manage maritime security and traffic through the waterway over the longer term. The ongoing consultations are aimed at developing workable arrangements between Iran and Oman, which share access to the strategically important maritime corridor.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a major route for oil and other energy shipments to international markets. Disruptions to shipping in the area can affect energy supplies, freight costs and wider commercial activity, making safe passage a concern for countries far beyond the region.

An interim understanding could provide a basis for coordinating commercial vessel movements, although the precise terms, implementation timetable and enforcement arrangements have not been disclosed in the statement.

Baghaei’s remarks also indicated that diplomatic engagement over maritime security is continuing alongside wider regional tensions. He warned that Iran remained fully prepared to respond to any US aggression, signalling that negotiations over shipping arrangements have not removed the possibility of further confrontation.

The statement did not specify whether the proposed agreement would introduce new transit procedures, establish a formal monitoring mechanism or provide guarantees for vessels travelling through the strait. It also did not announce a final agreement or confirm that restrictions on maritime traffic had been lifted.

Oman has frequently played a diplomatic role in regional discussions, while its geographical position gives it a direct interest in the security of the surrounding waters. Cooperation between Tehran and Muscat could therefore be important in efforts to reduce risks to commercial navigation.

For international markets, the distinction between an interim arrangement and a full reopening remains significant. Any improvement in maritime access would depend on the practical terms agreed by the two governments and whether shipping operators could rely on those arrangements.

The latest comments point to continued diplomatic efforts to manage maritime risks, but the longer-term security of the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain amid persistent tensions between Iran and the United States.