Iranian authorities are currently evaluating a finalized maritime arrangement with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the progress, top officials in Tehran emphasize that the total reopening of this strategic waterway remains contingent upon the United States fulfilling specific concessions.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Saturday that the deal with Oman is “very close.” However, he cautioned that restoring full transit through the strait depends on the US adhering to commitments established in a June memorandum of understanding (MoU), which Tehran alleges have been violated. Iran has previously criticized Washington for supporting a southern Omani shipping route without prior coordination, failing to halt Israeli military operations in Lebanon, and refusing to release Iranian funds frozen under international sanctions.
Separately, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi told state media that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz “has its own specific mechanism and has nothing to do with the negotiations between Iran and Oman.” He asserted that the US must accept conditions set by the Islamic Republic, describing the waterway not merely as an economic route but as a vital power projection tool tied to Iran’s geography.
The IRGC has urged the administration of US President Donald Trump to refrain from interfering in the nearly concluded talks with Oman. Meanwhile, Hassan Qashqavi, spokesperson for Iran’s parliamentary national security commission, confirmed on Friday that a framework for the arrangement has been established, pending final approval from higher authorities.
President Masoud Pezeshkian has publicly committed to defending the June MoU with the US, dismissing rumors that he might resign amid pressure from hardliners who oppose diplomatic engagement with Washington. The Iranian Foreign Ministry indicated that a joint statement with Oman could follow if a deal is reached to restore partial traffic to the strait, which has faced significant disruptions since joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28.
Under the proposed arrangement, inbound vessels would utilize a northern lane within Iranian territorial waters, while outbound traffic would be directed through a southern lane in Omani waters, coordinated with Tehran. Reports from US media suggest the interim agreement could span 60 days with options for extension, potentially including provisions for naval mine clearance, military vessel transit, and a coordinated fee structure.
Significant questions remain regarding the US naval blockade of Iran’s southern ports and the withdrawal of US military assets, which Tehran views as prerequisites for a full reopening of the strait—a passage that typically carries 20 percent of global oil supplies. The long-term outlook remains clouded by broader disputes over Iran’s nuclear program and the impact of long-standing US sanctions on the Iranian economy.
While regional military activity has subsided to facilitate the Oman-led talks, tensions persist. The United Arab Emirates reported that a missile struck a vessel belonging to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) in the strait on Saturday, though no casualties were reported. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident, labeling the targeting of commercial shipping and the use of the strait for “economic coercion or blackmail” as acts of piracy by the IRGC that threaten regional stability.
Conflict continues elsewhere, as Iran-aligned Houthi forces in Yemen remain engaged in hostilities with Saudi Arabia. On Friday, the Houthis launched a deadly attack in Marib, prompting a military response from the Saudi-backed Yemeni government. This followed strikes on Najran in southwestern Saudi Arabia and claims of attacks on two Saudi oil tankers earlier in the week.
Maritime traffic in both the Bab al-Mandeb and Hormuz straits remains far below pre-war levels, with some vessels disabling transponders to avoid detection. Despite these risks, global energy markets have responded positively to the diplomatic progress, with Brent crude closing at approximately $83 per barrel on Friday.
Domestic markets in Iran also showed signs of recovery on Saturday. The national currency strengthened to 1.85 million rials against the US dollar, rebounding from record lows of 1.94 million. Additionally, the Tehran Stock Exchange index rose by 112,000 points—an increase of over 2 percent—to reach 5.52 million, nearing an all-time high.
In a televised interview, President Masoud Pezeshkian said he would “strongly defend” the MoU signed with the US in June and once again rejected speculation that he would abandon his office, despite claims by hardliners
US media have said the interim agreement is envisaged for 60 days and can be extended.
There are questions over what will happen with a US naval blockade of Iran’s southern ports and a drawback of US military assets, which Iran has said will be necessary on the way to fully reopening the strait, through wh
In a televised interview, President Masoud Pezeshkian said he would “strongly defend” the MoU signed with the US in June and once again rejected speculation that he would abandon his office, despite claims by hardliners that he has used the threat of resignation as a way of combatting opponents who are against a diplomatic resolution with the US.
There are questions over what will happen with a US naval blockade of Iran’s southern ports and a drawback of US military assets, which Iran has said will be necessary on the way to fully reopening the strait, through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil passes in peacetime.
Even more ambiguous are prospects of a broader long-term resolution that will also address the future of Iran’s nuclear programme, as well as years of harsh US sanctions over nuclear enrichment that have exacerbated economic shockwaves imposed against 90 million Iranians.
Some ships have resorted to turning off their transponders to avoid being detected.
Source: Aljazeera
