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Iran and Oman have been engaged in talks for days to reach a deal on the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to resume shipping movements battered by the months-long closure of the waterway.
The international community and global markets both are eyeing to “positive developments” regarding the strategically important Hormuz. But here is a catch.
According to Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, any potential deal between Iran and Oman is likely to resolve the Hormuz crisis as the deal over future shipping arrangements will not lead to immediate reopening of Strait of Hormuz.
According to the source privy to the matter as reported by Al Jazeera, the negotiations on future navigation arrangements are only the business between Muscat and Oman and it has nothing to do with the United States.
“The possible agreement between Iran and Oman on the arrangements for vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz has nothing to do with the immediate opening of this strait,” the source added.
As per report, even if Iran and Oman reach a possible deal, the strait will remain closed as long as what Iran demonstrates as “US violations” continue.
“The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz depends on a change in US behaviour and the correction of its violations,” the source added.
The remarks come after the reports in Iranian outlets suggesting that Tehran and Muscat were on the verge of an accord concerning a new shipping lane, subject to the United States ceasing its intervention in the process.
On Tuesday, a senior Iranian source revealed that during the talks Iran pushed for new rules aimed at controlling the movement of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Iran wants control over inbound shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and visibility over outbound traffic, with the ability to intervene if necessary,” the source said.
This proposal is the part of a temporary plan which is being discussed with Oman to reopen the waterway responsible for shipping 20 percent of global oil and energy supplies.
However, the source called it “the general idea which is currently being discussed.” Iran will oversee the inbound lane but when the ship exits they would get clearance from Oman but after notifying Iran.
The possibility of US-Iran talks
According to the US President Trump, “the talks between Iran and the US were moving along nicely and all-day negotiations had taken place on Tuesday.”
Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reported “progress” in negotiations regarding the strait, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that an agreement could be reached as early as “today or tomorrow.”
