Iran Says Oman Deal on Hormuz Shipping Lanes in Final Stages
On Sunday, Iran revealed that it is nearing the completion of an agreement with Oman regarding new shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized that the waterway will remain closed until the United States fulfills additional requirements. This announcement was made to the Mehr news agency. A US official had indicated on Friday that a deal was imminent, potentially allowing the strait, which previously facilitated a fifth of global oil and LNG shipments, to reopen after Iran's blockade in response to US and Israeli actions. Araqchi reiterated that negotiations between Iran and the US are nonexistent, and Tehran will not initiate talks while the US violates a June interim agreement. Meanwhile, the US commenced airstrikes against Iran in late February, aiming to prevent nuclear armament and regional threats.
Key facts
- Iran says deal with Oman on shipping lanes in Strait of Hormuz is in final stages.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi made the announcement on Sunday.
- US official said on Friday that an agreement between Iran and Oman was close.
- The strait carried a fifth of global oil and LNG shipments before Iran blocked it.
- Iran blocked the strait in response to US and Israeli attacks.
- Iran will not reopen the strait unless other conditions are met.
- Iran and the US are not engaged in talks; Tehran will not start them while Washington breaches an interim deal signed in June.
- The United States began air strikes on Iran in late February.
- Messages are being exchanged via intermediaries.
- The agreement would define new shipping lanes once conditions are met.
Entities
Institutions
- Mehr news agency
- US government
- Iranian government
- Omani government
- Iran's foreign ministry
- Oman
- United States
- Israel
- IRNA
Locations
- Iran
- Oman
- Strait of Hormuz
- United States
- Tehran