Iran says agreement on Hormuz shipping reached with Oman

Iran and Oman reportedly reached an agreement on a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, potentially paving the way for its reopening to facilitate energy supplies. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed this in a Telegram post, stating that the negotiations are progressing and a deal will be reached "if certain third parties do not obstruct this process." While no mention of U.S. involvement is made by Baghaei, the White House has yet to comment on the announcement.

The U.S. President Donald Trump had previously hinted at an imminent deal on the Strait of Hormuz, only for lasting agreements to elude him. With oil prices declining following Iran's announcement of the agreement, there is a possibility of resuming energy flows through the strait.

Hormuz's critical role in oil trade became a focal point of the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, with Tehran demanding vessels to obtain permission and pay fees to transit. In contrast, the U.S. has blockaded Iranian ports, leading to the collapse of a ceasefire and interim peace deal last month.

However, the outcome of Iran-Oman discussions was downplayed by Iranian state television, citing a person familiar with the matter. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi revealed that they are negotiating a "temporary route" active for two to four months, with a significant portion of traffic passing through Iran's territorial waters. This understanding does not imply the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.