**Iran and Oman Near Finalization of Hormuz Shipping Deal**
Tehran, Iran – The Iranian Foreign Ministry has announced that negotiations with Oman regarding the reopening of commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz are nearing completion. This development comes as the strait is known to facilitate the passage of approximately one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated on Thursday that the two nations have reached an agreement on the proposed shipping routes and are in the final stages of drafting a joint statement. However, he cautioned that the successful conclusion of the deal may depend on the absence of interference from "certain third parties," a reference that appears directed at the United States.
The proposed agreement would create a new corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, which would allow Iran to exert greater control over vessels entering the Persian Gulf. Meanwhile, Oman would be responsible for overseeing outbound maritime traffic. This arrangement is seen as a significant step toward enhancing regional maritime security and facilitating the flow of commercial shipping in the area.
Tehran has emphasized that the reopening of the strait is contingent upon the U.S. ending its naval blockade of Iranian ports and ceasing military actions against the Islamic Republic. The U.S. has maintained a blockade since tensions escalated following military strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces on Iranian targets in late February, which led to Iran's decision to close the strait.
Despite optimism from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently remarked that talks were "moving along nicely" and predicted a swift reopening of the strait, Iranian sources have indicated that several key details remain unresolved. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has continued to enforce the blockade and has redirected numerous commercial vessels in the Gulf, further complicating the situation.
The current negotiations follow a period of disagreement over a memorandum of understanding that was initially intended to ensure a ceasefire and facilitate the reopening of the strait. Under this memorandum, Iran committed to using its "best efforts" to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels free of charge for a period of 60 days while discussions with Oman regarding the future administration of the waterway took place.
Iran argues that this agreement allows it to regulate shipping through designated routes and collect transit fees. Conversely, the U.S. insists that the strait must remain open to international navigation without restrictions. The proposed 60-day arrangement aims not only to reopen the Strait of Hormuz but also to support a truce between the U.S. and Iran and to rekindle negotiations concerning Tehran's nuclear program.
In addition to the reopening of the strait, the agreement includes plans for Iran and Oman to work together to clear naval mines from the median lane of the strait within 30 days. However, concerns have been raised by shipping and insurance industry sources regarding the feasibility of any arrangement that involves Iranian transit fees, given the existing U.S. sanctions.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has had significant repercussions on global oil markets, with prices spiking to as high as $120 a barrel following the imposition of the U.S. blockade. The prospect of a deal between Iran and Oman has led to renewed fluctuations in oil prices, with reports of Iran seeking stricter conditions for reopening the waterway contributing to market volatility.
As negotiations progress, the international community continues to monitor the situation closely, given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy supplies. The outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for regional stability and international trade.