Hormuz agreement requires ships to coordinate with Iran while on Omani side, sources tell 'Post'

What Happened

Two diplomatic sources told The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday that a temporary 60-day agreement between Iran and Oman requires ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz to coordinate with Iran even when exiting from the Omani side. Under the deal, ships must enter the strait on the Iranian side and exit from the Omani side. Over the 60 days, mines will be cleared from the central sections, mostly on the Omani side. The sources added that no mandatory fees will be charged, but vessels may pay voluntary 'insurance, environmental quality fees,' with Iran likely to emphasize the benefit of such payments. Negotiations for a permanent solution and nuclear talks are set to continue during this period.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz handles a significant portion of the world's oil trade, and any regulatory or security friction there risks global economic disruption and military escalation. This temporary accord creates a predictable framework, reducing immediate flashpoints while the mine-clearing component hints at prior covert activity. The voluntary fee mechanism could become a point of contention if Iran pressures shippers, linking maritime security to its broader economic leverage in parallel nuclear negotiations.

Watch For

In the coming 60 days, monitor whether shipping companies adhere to the mandated routes and whether Iran attempts to compel voluntary fee payments. Watch for statements from Oman's foreign ministry, maritime insurers, and the International Maritime Organization. The parallel nuclear talks mean that any progress or breakdown in Vienna or Oman-mediated backchannels could directly affect the permanent Hormuz agreement. Any mine detonations or IRGC naval interdictions would signal the deal's fragility.