Iran and Oman Reach Understanding on Managing the Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route

September 1, Tehran (IRNA/AP) – Iran has announced that it is preparing to finalize a joint statement with Oman regarding the management of commercial vessel transit through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic waterways. This initiative comes as the 60-day negotiation period aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the United States approaches its conclusion without a concrete agreement.

Speaking to reporters in Tehran on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei confirmed that an understanding on shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz has been reached and that efforts are underway to formalize it through a joint declaration. While he did not provide extensive details, previously disclosed information indicates the arrangement involves vessels entering via the Iranian side of the strait and exiting through the Omani side.

Discussions have also addressed the possibility of allowing ships to transit the waterway without incurring fees or tolls during an interim period. The United States has demanded the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial shipping before lifting its blockade of Iranian ports. However, it remains unclear whether the emerging Iran-Oman agreement will meet Washington’s expectations. Following the conflict involving Israel and the U.S., Iran had effectively restricted maritime traffic through the strait. Prior to the war, nearly one-fifth of global commercial oil shipments transited through this passage.

Baghaei acknowledged that negotiations with Oman have been relatively slow and indicated that an understanding on the map delineating the route and the joint statement will be finalized as part of a single package. Meanwhile, as the 60-day negotiation deadline between Iran and the U.S. nears, no clear signs of agreement have emerged from either side, and there has been no immediate announcement regarding an extension of talks.

Amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Jared Kushner, U.S. presidential advisor and Middle East envoy, met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday. Prior to that, Kushner engaged in discussions in Egypt with Hamas leader Khalil al-Haya concerning the group’s disarmament. The meeting between Kushner and Netanyahu followed Israel’s rejection of a 15-point ceasefire proposal supported by the United States. Hamas, however, has agreed to the plan and has called upon the U.S.-led peace board mediators to pressure Israel to accept it. According to the proposal, Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza gradually. Nevertheless, Israel maintains it will not pull back until Hamas is fully disarmed.

Currently, Israeli forces control approximately 60 percent of Gaza’s territory, and Prime Minister Netanyahu has warned that military operations may intensify further.