Iran vies for expanded control over Strait of Hormuz in possible deal with Oman

What Happened

Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement to reopen shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Iranian official involved in the talks told Reuters on Tuesday, stating the terms would heavily favor Iran. The proposed deal would route the outbound lane between Iran and Oman, with exit clearance granted through Oman after notifying Iran, effectively giving Iran control over areas that were international waters before the current conflict, officials told the New York Times. No tolls would be charged, but a service fee covering environmental and staffing costs would be split equally, Iranian officials said. A US official familiar with the negotiations disputed the Iranian account, calling it “not accurate,” asserting that any new routes would be temporary and would not require Iran’s permission or approval. Ali Vaez of the International Crisis Group noted that Iran sees leverage in the strait as its only tangible achievement from the war. The negotiations follow conflicting statements on US-Iran talks: US President Donald Trump claimed renewed negotiations and accused Iran of duplicity, while Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei denied any meetings with the US, but confirmed ongoing talks with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for about one-fifth of global oil supplies. The proposed agreement, if implemented, could shift de facto maritime control toward Iran, altering security dynamics in a vital waterway already largely blocked since late February. Conflicting US and Iranian narratives exacerbate tensions amid a wider conflict, while the talks test the viability of diplomatic off-ramps.

Watch For

Official announcements from Iran and Oman on the deal’s terms, US responses or actions to assert its stated control over the strait, any incidents or disruptions in the strait, further Trump statements on negotiations, and reactions from oil markets and international maritime bodies.