Iran Reports Progress in Oman Talks on Strait of Hormuz Management
Iran announced on Sunday that it had made progress in negotiations with Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway crucial for global oil and gas trade, which both countries border. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said several rounds of talks were held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday between Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers, focusing on "common principles and operational mechanisms" to ensure safe passage of shipping while respecting the sovereign rights of both states. Baqaei described the discussions as "useful" and noted that technical and political consultations were continuing.
The latest talks come after the United States resumed attacks on Iran in an effort to end Tehran's control of the strait, following a June memorandum of understanding aimed at ending the war that had briefly eased tensions. According to a report by Axios, the Pentagon presented U.S. President Donald Trump with a plan for a 14th consecutive night of strikes, but he declined to authorize it in favor of renewed talks. The report said Trump ordered a hold on fire after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran for talks on a new arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
On the same day, Iran's state television reported that Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi proposed a temporary arrangement to Oman for reopening the strait, under which one direction of traffic would pass through Iranian waters, and part of the opposite route would also be in Iranian waters. Gharibabadi said Tehran rejected an Omani proposal for an equal division of transit routes, arguing it did not address Iran's security concerns without long-term regional stability. He also stated that the strait would remain closed if Muscat rejected Iran's proposal, adding that Tehran had never recognized the southern route along Oman's coast.
Earlier, Oman presented a proposal to Iran for joint regional management of the Strait of Hormuz, with shipping firms paying voluntary fees. Two Middle Eastern diplomats said progress had been made in resolving the crisis, though no final agreement had been reached. They noted the emerging proposal focuses on a temporary central shipping route through the strait, running between Omani and Iranian territorial waters.
In a related development, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled a possible breakthrough in talks with Iran, stating during a CNBC interview that an agreement to reopen the waterway could be reached "today or tomorrow." His remarks followed threats by President Trump of one of the largest potential military campaigns since World War II, and come amid a pause in hostilities after days of U.S. strikes.
Iranian state broadcaster Press TV reported that talks between Iran and Oman on Hormuz have entered a new phase, with an official saying an understanding is within reach if the U.S. stops interference. The official said the talks revolve around a new corridor to secure passage of ships via the critical energy chokepoint.