Iran and Oman Near Agreement on New Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route

Tehran: Iran and Oman are on the brink of finalizing a new shipping route through the previously blocked Strait of Hormuz, officials in Tehran have announced. According to Nam News Network, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that both Gulf nations have concurred on the geographical coordinates for a navigation route through the strategic strait. Baghaei mentioned that a joint statement was in the final stages of review and drafting, emphasizing that no external party should interfere in the process. Oman has yet to make any public comments on the reported agreement, which Iran asserts was reached without any involvement from the United States. Before the conflict erupted in late February, ships could navigate the strait freely. A potential arrangement granting Iran significant control over shipping through this vital corridor would mark a strategic advantage for the nation. Baghaei, however, cautioned that an agreement with Oman alone would not ensure secure passage. He linked the se curity in the strait to the ongoing US blockade and other actions he described as "aggressive and threatening" against Iran. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also noted the nearing completion of an agreement on new shipping arrangements, according to IRNA. He clarified that the proposed arrangement wouldn't fully reopen the strait but would establish a new model for maritime traffic. US President Donald Trump indicated on Tuesday evening that the strait might open on Wednesday or Thursday as part of a potential agreement with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for global shipments of oil, gas, and fertilizer, and the ongoing dispute over the waterway has significantly contributed to the renewed escalation of conflict between the US and Iran.