Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi announced on 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.

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

A US official, speaking anonymously, expressed optimism that an agreement between Iran and Oman—countries on either side of the strait—would be reached soon, allowing normal oil traffic to resume. The official highlighted that US actions remain performance-based and tied to Iran’s implementation of its commitments.

The deal between Iran and Oman is considered crucial to a broader agreement aimed at ending the conflict that began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026. Araqchi added, "Once the deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports."

Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the region. The United Arab Emirates reported on August 8 that Iran had 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 15 of its vessels have been struck in what it called unprovoked attacks since the start of the conflict, resulting in one crew member killed and 20 others wounded.

Vessels continue to navigate the strait, as seen near Musandam, Oman, on August 6, 2026.

Sources