Iran says Hormuz shipping deal with Oman is close but reopening depends on wider demands
Iran said an agreement with Oman on a new Strait of Hormuz shipping route was close, but said reopening the waterway required further conditions.
Tehran, Iran. Iran said on Saturday it was close to an agreement with Oman on arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but said the deal alone would not reopen the vital energy export route. The United Arab Emirates said Iran had struck another ship in the strait.
Conditions for reopening
An agreement between Iran and Oman, which are separated by the strait, is considered important for a broader deal to end the war that began with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28 and led Tehran to establish a chokehold over the waterway.
A U.S. official, speaking anonymously on Friday, said Washington expected Iran and Oman to reach an agreement soon that would allow normal oil traffic to resume.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran and Muscat were “very close” to an agreement on a new shipping route, but said reopening the strait depended on other conditions, including U.S. compensation to Iran.
Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, secretary of Iran’s top national security body, said Iran also demanded an end to U.S. threats and aggression against Iran and its Lebanese, Palestinian, Yemeni and Iraqi allies, the lifting of the blockade and sanctions, and the release of Iranian assets.
Oman cites constructive talks
Oman condemned what it described as repeated attacks on vessels transiting the strait, without assigning blame, and said negotiations with Iran on shipping arrangements were “positive and constructive”.
“Oman stresses the importance of avoiding any actions that could affect these negotiations and the progress achieved in a manner that takes into account the interests of all parties,” the foreign ministry said.
Araqchi said the previous traffic separation scheme in the strait was no longer acceptable to Tehran. Iran was discussing a temporary route with Oman while technical and legal issues related to a permanent route were resolved.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said he believed this was the best time to reach an agreement.
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