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Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on the geographic coordinates for a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Wednesday. The joint statement between the two countries, incorporating the main considerations and points of agreement, is in the final stage of review and drafting, Baghaei told reporters, provided that certain third parties do not obstruct the process.
Baghaei described the negotiations between Tehran and Muscat as “professional” and “moving forward,” adding that the two sides had reached a mutual understanding on the geographical parameters of the route under discussion. He also cautioned that any such agreement would not, by itself, guarantee security in the strategic waterway.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told Iran’s IRNA state news agency that an understanding had been reached on almost all issues, including the location of entry and exit routes for maritime traffic. Under the planned arrangement, large parts of the shipping route would go through Iran’s territorial waters, and some parts would also pass through Oman’s waters. Existing temporary routes would be closed, with the new route intended for use over a period of two to four months or potentially longer.
Coverage comparison
The agreement has been reported across multiple outlets, each emphasizing different aspects. Al Jazeera reported that Iran and Oman had agreed on new coordinates for ships to pass through the strait, and also covered US President Donald Trump rebuking claims that the US has run out of defence munitions. Deutsche Welle quoted Baghaei as saying the agreement with Oman was in the “final stage” of review and drafting, and noted that the proposed arrangement would not amount to a full reopening of the strait but would instead establish a new model for maritime traffic.
The Guardian and The Hindu both reported that the proposed deal would give Tehran control over ships entering the Gulf through the strait, citing a senior Iranian source and two regional officials. Both outlets also noted that the deal came in the context of the war launched by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28. TASS, citing a Reuters report, similarly stated that the agreement could give Tehran control over vessels passing through the waterway, and framed it as one of the major concessions to Iran so far.
The Jerusalem Post, citing two sources familiar with the matter, reported that Iran and Oman had made “some progress” over navigation through the strait. According to one source, Oman has proposed establishing a regional consortium that would oversee maritime security, search-and-rescue operations, and other forms of regional cooperation, with participation and payments voluntary. Iran has so far opposed the idea, the source said, insisting instead on mandatory payments and arguing that vessels would otherwise be barred from transiting the strait.
Key claims
- Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on the geographic coordinates for a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
- A joint announcement is being finalised, provided certain third parties do not interfere.
- The proposed deal would give Tehran control over ships entering the Gulf through the strait.
- The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28; the strait was freely open to all ships with no fees before the war.
- Trump rebukes claims that the US has run out of defence munitions.
- Oman has proposed a regional consortium for maritime security and cooperation, but Iran has so far opposed it, insisting on mandatory payments.