WASHINGTON – The United States, Iran and Oman are reportedly close to reaching an interim agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, following weeks of negotiations involving regional and international stakeholders.
According to a report by Axios, citing two regional sources and one US official, a formal announcement from the United States is expected later today.
The proposed agreement is designed to reinforce the ceasefire between the United States and Iran while creating an opportunity to restart negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Under the reported framework, Iran would gain greater oversight of shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz than it had before the conflict. Regional sources said the arrangement would initially remain in effect for 60 days, with the option of an extension.
During the interim period, all vessels entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz would use the northern shipping lane within Iranian waters. Outbound traffic heading towards the Arabian Sea would travel through the southern lane in Omani waters, with routing coordinated in consultation with Iran. No transit tolls or fees would be charged during the 60-day period.
The report also stated that the parties plan to clear naval mines from the central shipping lane within 30 days. Once completed, the central lane would be incorporated into a permanent traffic management arrangement jointly overseen by Iran and Oman for vessels travelling in both directions.
Regional sources said mediation efforts involved officials from Oman, Qatar, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
The White House was also actively engaged in the diplomatic process, with US envoy Steve Witkoff, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi holding several telephone discussions in recent days.
According to the report, Araghchi gave preliminary approval to the proposed agreement over the weekend, subject to endorsement by Iran’s senior leadership and the Supreme National Security Council. A US official and a regional source said the Iranian leadership completed its approval process on Tuesday.
