Iran says Hormuz talks with Oman in ‘final’ stages as route approved

What Happened

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced on Wednesday that talks with Oman over a safe transit route through the Strait of Hormuz are in their final stages, with geographical coordinates agreed and a joint statement under review. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told IRNA that an understanding has been reached on entry and exit points, with large parts of the shipping route passing through Iran's territorial waters and some through Oman's. The two-month-long negotiations follow a near-total closure of the strait after a June 17 memorandum of understanding ended and US-Israeli strikes on Iran resumed on February 28, disrupting about 20 percent of global oil and LNG exports. Baghaei attributed the closure to US and Israeli aggression, while CENTCOM reported that it has redirected 48 commercial vessels, disabled two, and boarded two as part of its naval blockade. US officials, including President Donald Trump, have stated they will not accept any arrangement that leaves Iran in control of the waterway.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical choke point for global energy supplies. Iran's attempt to formalize a route through its territorial waters could consolidate its strategic gains amid the ongoing conflict and challenge US-led freedom of navigation efforts, while a partial reopening might ease oil price pressures but would rely on acceptance by the US and its allies.

Watch For

Finalization and signing of the Iran-Oman joint statement; whether the proposed route is operationalized despite US objections; CENTCOM's adjustment or escalation of the naval blockade; Iran's enforcement of the new route and potential confrontations with US or allied vessels.