Iran has said it reached an agreement with Oman on a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies. The announcement, made by Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, was reported by multiple outlets, including the BBC and the South China Morning Post, which cited Iran's state news agency IRNA.

Agreement details

According to Baqaei, as quoted by IRNA, "the geographical coordinates of the route envisaged by the two sides have been agreed upon" and a joint statement containing the main points of agreement is in the final review and drafting stage. The South China Morning Post reported that Tehran's foreign ministry said the two countries are "putting the final touches on arrangements for jointly managing the passage."

The TASS news agency, citing The New York Times, reported that officials familiar with the emerging accord said vessels heading into the Persian Gulf would transit a channel controlled by Iran and close to its coast, while ships leaving the Gulf would travel on a channel near Oman. The same report indicated that no tolls would be charged, but the agreement includes a "service fee" to cover environmental impact, security for cargo ships and tankers, and staffing. Revenues would be divided equally between Iran and Oman, according to two Iranian officials cited by TASS.

Baqaei cautioned, however, that a deal with Oman would not on its own guarantee safe navigation through the strait. He argued that security remains impacted by the US blockade of Iran's ports, as reported by the BBC.

Context: blockade and tensions

The Strait of Hormuz is a key passage for global oil and liquefied natural gas, with about a fifth of the world's supply passing through it, according to the BBC. Since the US and Israel launched their war against Iran in late February, Iran has seized de facto control of the strait, as reported by the South China Morning Post. Tehran has largely blocked the waterway since the attack, the BBC reported.

A US naval blockade of Iranian ports has been imposed in the region, the BBC reported, citing Baqaei, who mentioned "the naval blockade and other aggressive and threatening actions against Iran and its interests." Additionally, a separate blockade is in place on Saudi Arabia's ports in the Red Sea, imposed by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis since July 20, according to the BBC.

US involvement

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be "hit very hard" if the strait does not open "very soon," the BBC reported. Trump has also insisted Tehran is keen to do a deal to reopen the route to shipping, but Iran denies this, according to the South China Morning Post.

TASS reported that Trump said additional details about talks between Washington and Tehran would emerge on August 4, and that parties were already in contact, although Iran was unwilling to acknowledge the dialogue publicly. Trump had previously said the US and Iran would engage in talks on August 3, according to the same report.

Key claims

  • Iran and Oman have agreed on the geographical coordinates of a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, with a final joint statement still being drafted, as announced by Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei and reported by BBC and South China Morning Post.
  • The US has imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports in the region, which Iran says contributes to insecurity in the strait, as reported by BBC.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global oil and liquefied natural gas, carrying about a fifth of the world's supply, as reported by BBC.
  • US President Donald Trump has warned Iran it will be "hit very hard" if the strait does not open soon, as reported by BBC.
  • Iran has seized de facto control of the strait since the US and Israel launched their war against the country, as reported by South China Morning Post.
  • Vessels entering the Persian Gulf would use a channel controlled by Iran, while ships leaving would use a channel near Oman, according to TASS, citing officials familiar with the accord.
  • The agreement includes a "service fee" covering environmental, security, and staffing costs, with revenues split equally between Iran and Oman, according to TASS, citing two Iranian officials.