Iran seeks to bar US ships as Hormuz deal with Oman advances

Iran is seeking to prohibit US and Israeli ships from the Strait of Hormuz, with the agreement requiring compensation from hostile countries before allowing their use. This proposed Iran-Oman deal is crucial for reopening the strait and resuming energy flows disrupted since the US and Israel attacked Iran in February. The agreement, currently under review in Iran’s parliament, proposes banning cargo related to Israel and a fee structure for services such as insurance and environmental costs.

Former US State Department official Thomas Warrick stated that the deal's demands will likely face resistance from Washington. Iranian naval forces reportedly struck "hostile targets" at the strait's entrance, though details are scarce. Oil prices increased and stocks fell amid concerns over the agreement's adequacy. US President Donald Trump claimed negotiations were progressing well, but did not confirm a deal's conclusion.

Many previous claims of a deal have proven false, and the Iran-Oman proposals' effectiveness is uncertain. A key Iranian negotiator criticized the White House for repeated threats and retreats, describing it as "theatre diplomacy." The US insists on free transit through the strait and wants a return to pre-war conditions, while Iran demands lifting the American maritime blockade.

Oil prices have risen, with Brent crude above US$82 a barrel, due to uncertainties surrounding the Iran-Oman plan. The situation in Hormuz has become a significant hurdle in the ongoing US-Iran conflict, with potential implications for the global economy and discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear program.