Oman reports ‘constructive’ Hormuz talks

Oman has indicated that positive discussions are ongoing with Iran regarding an agreement to ensure a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, although Tehran maintains that any deal would not lead to an immediate reopening of the strategic waterway. Both parties expressed optimism about the talks on Saturday, but there was little clarity on when a deal might be finalized.

Oman's Foreign Ministry cautioned against attacks on shipping that could obstruct progress. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the talks were nearing completion, but the reopening of the strait was contingent on "other conditions". Iran has effectively controlled the strait, which typically facilitates about one-fifth of the global oil and natural gas trade, since the United States and Israel launched attacks on it in February.

Recent negotiations have centered on the potential for a new Iran-Oman agreement governing a different route through the strait, aiming to facilitate the resumption of shipping traffic. However, Araghchi clarified that a full reopening of the typically busy maritime route would depend on Iran receiving compensation from the United States for what Tehran considered violations of a June memorandum of understanding (MoU) to cease hostilities and advance talks for ending the war.

This MoU ultimately failed, as did subsequent diplomatic efforts, with both sides resuming targeted attacks shortly after signing it. Iran's security chief, Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, told the news agency Tasnim that the Strait of Hormuz would not open until the United States "corrects" its behavior. He outlined six demands Iran had, including an end to threats against Iran, removal of the naval blockade around Iranian ports, and the release of Iran's frozen assets.

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis had imposed a blockade on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea ports since July 20. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump previously suggested that a deal with Iran "could be soon", while Vice-President JD Vance expressed more skepticism on Saturday, stating that significant work remained even if progress was being made.

Vance emphasized that the US was employing various diplomatic, economic, and military measures to achieve the best outcome for Americans. He also claimed that the same volume of oil would continue to flow from the Gulf as before the US military operation began on February 28, though he did not provide specifics. Regarding a potential toll on vessels passing through the strait, Vance dismissed reports from Reuters that Iran was seeking fees between 5% and 7% of the cargo value, stating that Iran had no plans to toll the Strait of Hormuz.

Oman's concern over attacks on ships in the strait came as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reported that Iran had launched a missile attack against an Adnoc-affiliated tanker passing through. The UAE's foreign ministry confirmed a "hostile Iranian attack" on the tanker, causing a fire that was extinguished, with no injuries reported.

UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) also reported a separate incident where an unknown projectile struck a ship off Oman's coast, resulting in a fire that was also extinguished, though injuries were not mentioned. It remains uncertain whether the UKMTO incident corresponds to the same vessel as the UAE report.