Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on Saturday, August 8, 2026, that Iran and Oman are "very close" to reaching an agreement on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. However, Araqchi emphasized that reopening the strategic waterway would depend on other conditions, notably compensation from the United States to Iran.

The previous shipping traffic separation scheme in the strait is no longer acceptable to Tehran. Iran is currently discussing a temporary route with Oman while technical and legal issues concerning a permanent route are being resolved.

A US official, speaking anonymously on Friday, August 7, 2026, expressed anticipation of an imminent agreement between Iran and Oman, which border the strait, to allow normal oil traffic to resume. The control of the Strait of Hormuz is viewed as critical to a broader resolution of the conflict that began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that Iran attacked a carrier affiliated with its state oil company with a missile while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz. No injuries were reported in this latest escalation. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company stated that since the conflict's onset, 15 of its vessels have been struck in what it described as unprovoked attacks, resulting in one crew member killed and 20 others wounded.

Iranian officials have indicated that once a deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift its blockade of Iranian ports. Araqchi also noted, "Whenever the United States accepts Iran’s conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will certainly be reopened."

The ongoing negotiations and recent attacks underscore the complex dynamics affecting one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints for energy supplies.

Sources