Iran Moves Closer To Maritime Deal With Oman Amid Hormuz Tensions

Iran says it is close to finalising an agreement with Oman on new maritime routes through the Strait of Hormuz, but warned that the key waterway may not reopen automatically.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Sunday that experts from both countries were working on maps for the proposed routes.

“The old routes will be replaced with new ones,” Araghchi said, adding that reopening the strait would depend on separate conditions being met through ongoing mediation.

He also accused Washington of violating a June memorandum of understanding intended to end weeks of fighting and facilitate the reopening of the waterway.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said Saturday that the strait would remain closed until the United States changes its approach.

Among Tehran’s demands are an end to threats against Iran, the lifting of sanctions, withdrawal of US forces from the region and an end to the naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Iran also wants compensation for war-related damage and the release of frozen Iranian assets.

The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy route, carrying a significant share of the world’s oil and natural gas supplies. Any prolonged disruption could therefore have wider implications for international energy markets.