Iran and Oman finalise framework for Strait of Hormuz shipping deal
Iran and Oman have finalised a framework for managing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with a formal deal expected soon.
Iran and Oman have finalised the general framework of an agreement governing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian media reports. The development follows weeks of negotiations aimed at restoring safe commercial passage through the strategic waterway.
Hassan Ghashghavi, a spokesman for the Iranian Parliament's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, told the official IRNA news agency on Friday that the two countries are close to a deal on managing traffic through the chokepoint. He said the final text and details would be announced soon.
A US official, cited in wire reports, confirmed that progress is being made between Oman and Iran and that a deal is expected shortly. The official added that once an agreement is announced to restore unimpeded commercial shipping, Washington would lift its blockade of Iranian ports.
A diplomat from one of the mediating countries told Axios that Iranian negotiators are awaiting final approval from Iran's Supreme National Security Council for the deal with Oman and the United States. "We expect this approval soon," the diplomat said.
Earlier this week, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran and Muscat had made progress in talks on establishing a safe commercial shipping route. He noted that the two sides have reached an understanding on the geographical coordinates of the proposed route and are finalising a joint statement outlining key agreed points.
The talks come after Iran tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz on February 28, barring safe passage for vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States, following joint strikes on Iranian territory. The US military subsequently launched multiple waves of strikes against Iranian targets, saying they were in response to Iranian attacks on vessels in the strait and aimed at degrading Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks on US military bases and facilities in the region.