Iran and Oman are reportedly close to reaching an agreement on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway critical for global oil traffic. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that while progress has been made, reopening the strait depends on other conditions, notably compensation from the United States to Iran.

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

A US official, speaking anonymously, indicated that Washington anticipates an agreement soon between Iran and Oman, which border the strait, to allow normal oil traffic to resume. The US has stated that any actions will continue to be performance-based and tied to Iran's implementation of its commitments.

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 incident. The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said that 15 of its vessels have been struck in unprovoked attacks in the strait since the start of the conflict, resulting in one crew member killed and 20 others wounded.

Agreement over control of the Strait of Hormuz is seen as crucial to a broader resolution of the conflict that began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026. Iran has indicated that once a deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports.

Sources