Iran and the Gulf Arab state of Oman are advancing negotiations to reopen shipping through the disputed Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway in the Persian Gulf. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that talks focus on establishing safe inbound and outbound shipping lanes that respect sovereign rights and address national security concerns of both countries. The final results of these negotiations will be announced once concluded, according to remarks carried by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency.

The proposed agreement envisions ships entering the Persian Gulf via an Iranian-controlled route and exiting through an Omani-controlled route, with service fees charged for security and environmental protection. However, two regional officials speaking anonymously to the Associated Press noted that negotiations are ongoing and the final agreement may differ.

A critical condition for the deal's implementation appears to be the lifting of the US blockade on Iran’s ports. The Trump administration has previously rejected any agreement that would grant Iran control over the strait. A US official, speaking anonymously, affirmed Washington's commitment to maintaining the status quo where no party controls the shipping lanes or transit rights.

President Trump reiterated his opposition to tolling in the strait during a recent exchange with reporters, stating, “I’m not going to let them charge. Anybody’s going to charge, we’ll charge.”

The Strait of Hormuz was an open international waterway before attacks on Iran by the US and Israel on February 28. Any formal agreement recognizing Iranian control over the strait would represent a significant strategic gain for Tehran, which may prompt the US to block the deal by maintaining its blockade.

Sources