Hormuz talks positive, Oman says, as Iran warns deal would not open strait

Talks in recent days have focused on the possibility of a deal between Iran and Oman on a new route through the strait, which they would both have responsibility for and is hoped would lead to progress in resuming shipping traffic.

capitalfm.africa ·23h ago

Oman has expressed optimism regarding ongoing discussions with Iran regarding an agreement to guarantee a shipping passage through the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran's assertion that any potential deal would not lead to an immediate unlocking of the crucial waterway. While both parties indicated that negotiations were moving forward on Saturday, the precise timeline for finalizing a deal remained uncertain.

In response to concerns, Oman's foreign ministry cautioned against attacks on vessels, which could impede progress in securing the deal. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the talks were nearing their conclusion, but emphasized that reopening the strait would depend on additional conditions, which he gave a brief overview of.

Iran, having imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, which typically carries about one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade, since the US and Israel initiated attacks in February, Araghchi mentioned that the conditions for reopening the strait encompass Iran receiving compensation from the US for alleged violations of the June Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at halting hostilities and advancing dialogue towards ending the conflict.

However, this MoU ultimately collapsed, along with diplomatic efforts, as a cycle of retaliatory strikes resumed shortly after its signing.

Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.