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, he emphasized that reopening the strait depends on additional conditions, including compensation from the United States to Iran.

The previous shipping traffic separation scheme was no longer acceptable to Tehran, Araqchi said, noting that Iran is discussing a temporary route with Oman while technical and legal issues for a permanent route are being resolved. He added, "Whenever the United States accepts Iran’s conditions, the Strait of Hormuz will certainly be reopened."

A US official, speaking anonymously on Friday, expressed anticipation of an imminent agreement between Iran and Oman, who sit on opposite sides of the strait, to allow normal oil traffic to resume. The official noted that US actions will continue to be performance-based and tied to Iran’s implementation of its commitments.

The agreement between Iran and Oman is viewed as crucial to a broader resolution of the conflict that began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the region. 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 start of the conflict, 15 of its vessels have been struck in what it described as unprovoked attacks in the strait, resulting in one crew member killed and 20 others wounded.

Vessels continue to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, on August 6, 2026.

Araqchi also indicated that once a deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift its blockade of Iranian ports.

Sources