Iran Signals Strait of Hormuz Deal Near, But Ties Reopening to US Concessions
Iran says a deal with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz is near, but reopening hinges on US conditions; UAE reports another ship struck.
Iran indicated on Saturday that an agreement with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz is close, but cautioned that the deal alone would not reopen the strategic waterway. The statement came as the United Arab Emirates reported a fresh missile attack on one of its vessels in the strait.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said on Friday that Washington expects an accord between Iran and Oman soon, allowing normal oil traffic to resume. The official added that once a deal is announced, the United States would lift its blockade of Iranian ports, with actions tied to Iran's implementation of commitments.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran and Muscat are "very close" to agreement on a new shipping route. However, he stressed that reopening the strait depends on other conditions, including US compensation to Iran. Araqchi noted that the previous traffic separation scheme is no longer acceptable to Tehran, and that a temporary route is being discussed while technical and legal issues for a permanent arrangement are resolved.
The Revolutionary Guards echoed this stance, with spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi stating that reopening the strait depends on Washington accepting Iran's conditions, not on the Iran-Oman talks. He did not specify the conditions but said the US must stop interfering in regional negotiations.
Meanwhile, the UAE said Iran attacked a carrier affiliated with its state oil company with a missile as it transited the strait, with no injuries reported. Iranian authorities did not immediately comment, and Iranian media omitted the UAE's accusation in their reports.
A proposed deal, according to sources, would grant Tehran control over ships entering the Gulf through the strait—a significant concession. Iran has used the conflict to justify tolls on oil tankers and has fired on vessels crossing without permission, disrupting global shipments and driving up energy prices. Abu Dhabi National Oil Company reported that 15 of its vessels have been struck since the conflict began, killing one crew member and wounding 20 others.
The conflict began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Iran has responded by targeting US bases in Gulf states and Jordan, as well as shipping in the strait, which carried a fifth of the world's oil and gas shipments before the war.