Iran, Oman Near Deal on Strait of Hormuz Transit as US Expects Shipping to Resume

 Iran and Oman are moving closer to an agreement on arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway through which roughly one-fifth of global oil trade normally passes.

Iranian officials have said discussions with Oman have reached an advanced stage, while a US official has also indicated that Washington expects an agreement between Tehran and Muscat soon that could allow commercial shipping to resume.

The talks are focused on establishing a mechanism for the safe passage and management of vessels through the strait, which has remained heavily disrupted since the conflict that began on February 28.

Iran and Oman are the two coastal states bordering the Strait of Hormuz. Their discussions have focused on how maritime traffic would be managed while taking into account the sovereignty and sovereign rights of both countries.

Earlier negotiations produced proposals for a new navigation framework. Oman has pushed for a regional mechanism involving safe shipping and voluntary fees, while reports have indicated that Iran has sought a greater role in controlling or managing traffic through routes close to its territorial waters.

The precise terms of any final arrangement remain significant because the United States has linked the restoration of normal commercial shipping with wider steps involving the conflict and its blockade of Iranian ports. A US official said any American action would remain conditional on Iran fulfilling commitments under a prospective agreement.

Iran, meanwhile, has maintained that the discussions with Oman are primarily bilateral and concern the future administration of navigation through the strait.

The potential agreement is therefore being closely watched not only in Tehran and Muscat but also by oil producers, shipping companies and energy-importing countries around the world.