Progress in Iran-Oman Talks on Strait of Hormuz Waterway, but Tough Conditions Remain for Agreement with the US

Oman has reported that positive negotiations are underway with Iran to ensure the safe management of ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Tehran has warned that no agreement will immediately reopen this crucial waterway. On Saturday, both countries stated that progress was being made, but the timeline remains uncertain. Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also noted that any attacks on vessels could disrupt the process.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the talks with Oman as reaching their final phase but said some “other conditions” must still be met before reopening the waterway. This passage accounts for nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments and was effectively blocked by Iran following U.S. and Israeli attacks in February. Recent discussions have focused on the possibility of establishing new routes for vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman.

Araghchi indicated that additional conditions remain for fully reopening this busy waterway. According to him, compensation must be paid for violations of the ceasefire agreement signed by the two countries in June, which the United States breached. Iran’s security chief, Mohammad Baqer Gholamali, told Tasnim news agency that the waterway will not be reopened until the US improves its conduct.

Meanwhile, since July 20, the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen has maintained a blockade targeting Saudi Arabian ports located on the Red Sea. US President Donald Trump had predicted an imminent agreement with Iran, but Vice President Mike Pence acknowledged that while talks have progressed, much work remains.

The UAE has accused Iran of attacking a tanker affiliated with its state-owned oil company, ADNOC. The UAE Foreign Ministry reported that an ADNOC tanker was hit by a missile in what it described as an “Iranian attack,” though no casualties were reported. On Saturday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency confirmed that a vessel off the coast of Oman was struck by an “unknown projectile,” causing a fire that was subsequently extinguished.