Iran announces imminent agreement with Oman on Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Monday that negotiations with Oman for a temporary shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz are nearing completion, with an agreement expected in the coming days. Ismail Baghaei, speaking at a press conference in Tehran, expressed optimism that the talks had "very good progress" and stressed the importance of avoiding interference from third parties.

The proposed agreement aims to create a secure passage for commercial vessels through the strait, with the option to register the agreement with the International Maritime Organization. Shipping data revealed that the average number of vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz per day over the past 10 days had dropped to just 10, the lowest level since May, following attacks by the United States and Iran on tankers.

Only two ships traversed the strait on Saturday, while six passed through on Sunday, primarily via the Iranian route. Notably, only two very large crude carriers (VLCCs) and three bulk carriers carrying minerals, grain, or oilseeds entered the strait on Sunday. Additionally, a tanker carrying refined petroleum products, which had departed from a Saudi port, was compelled to turn back while attempting to pass through the strait. Kpler data also indicated that no VLCCs had left the Strait of Hormuz since Wednesday.