Iran, Oman in final stage of drafting agreement to open Strait of Hormuz, Tehran says
Iran and Oman are in the final stages of drafting an agreement to manage the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping waterway. The deal's success may depend on the U.S. lifting blockades on Iranian ports, amid ongoing regional tensions.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for global energy supplies, and any disruption or agreement here has significant implications for the global economy.
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman on Monday. Stringer/Reuters
Iran ’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, has said an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz with Oman, which lies on the other side of the waterway, is in the “final stage” of drafting. Speaking Wednesday, he said a joint statement will be issued “if certain parties do not obstruct this process,” apparently referring to the U.S.
The agreement is likely to be contingent on the U.S. lifting its blockade on Iran’s ports.
A U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly said Thursday that any temporary routes through the Strait of Hormuz will not have impediments such as approvals, permissions, tolls or charges.
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