Iran, Oman work to hammer out deal on reopening Strait of Hormuz

Iran and Oman, which both border the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, are negotiating the opening of a temporary shipping corridor and a mine-clearing project in the blockaded waterway. The strait, crucial to global oil and gas trade, has been paralysed since US-Israeli attacks in late February triggered the war.

A US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June called for reopening the strait, leaving it to Iran and Oman to define future administration and maritime services, in coordination with Gulf states and international law. However, the agreement, meant to pave the way toward ending the war, has since collapsed.

Talks underway

On Tuesday in Tehran, the Iranian and Omani foreign ministers discussed a framework for a "temporary corridor." Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said he hoped the corridor and practical arrangements for safe navigation would be announced soon, with a permanent solution and future management of the strait to follow later.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the plan would have ships entering the Gulf pass through Iranian waters, while departing vessels would use Omani waters. If the arrangement with Oman is finalised, the two sides would have 30 to 60 days to negotiate a permanent route. Iran's Revolutionary Guards, involved in the talks, said on Wednesday they had agreed with Oman to share revenue from any fees imposed in the strait — an idea Washington rejects.

Why talks are stalled

Tehran continues to make full reopening conditional on US concessions, especially regarding the American counter-blockade of Iranian ports. Gharibabadi said the strait would only reopen in exchange for an end to the war on all fronts, lifting the blockade, and resolving the situation in Yemen.

Experts note the negotiations are complex, touching on sovereignty, jurisdiction, vessel control and potential fees. Omani researcher Abdallah Baaboud told AFP that Oman and Iran are effectively negotiating a post-war governance and security architecture for Hormuz, explaining the slow pace.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed the strait is under American control, a claim Tehran denies, and has threatened to bomb Oman if it stands in the way of US passage. This has left Muscat in a delicate position, trying to preserve its role as intermediary without appearing to fully back Iranian control over the strait.