Oman condemns ship attacks as Iran sets conditions to reopen strait

Oman has strongly condemned attacks on ships passing through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, describing them as a "violation of international law and territorial waters sovereignty." The Foreign Ministry in Muscat emphasized that such actions threaten maritime safety, regional security, and stability. However, Iran claimed negotiations with Muscat were nearing a deal, though they insisted reopening the vital waterway depended on additional conditions, including US compensation for past losses.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Tehran and Muscat were "very close" to an agreement on a new shipping route, yet the reopening of the waterway remained contingent on other factors. The previous shipping traffic separation scheme no longer met Iran's requirements. Meanwhile, Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee spokesman, Hassan Ghashghavi, acknowledged a broad framework had been reached, but the final text and joint statement awaited higher-level approval.

Iran outlined six conditions for reopening the strait, such as an end to US threats and aggression against Iran and its allies, lifting the maritime blockade, removing sanctions, and releasing frozen Iranian assets. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reiterated that US acceptance of Iran's conditions was crucial for reopening the strait.

The attack on a vessel affiliated with the UAE's state oil company, reportedly by Iran, resulted in a fire but no injuries. The Strait of Hormuz, once bustling with over a fifth of global oil and gas shipments, has seen severe restrictions imposed by Iran since the US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, causing disruptions in global energy flows and economic instability.

A US official anticipates an Iran-Oman agreement will soon allow normal oil traffic, with the US pledging to lift its blockade of Iranian ports.