Iran says Hormuz deal with Oman nears final stage
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Iran on Sunday said it was nearing a final agreement with Oman on new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, but reiterated that the waterway would not reopen until the United States meets Tehran’s conditions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the agreement with Oman was in its “final stages” and would establish new routes for commercial shipping once the U.S. fulfills the conditions and the strait is reopened, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported.
Tehran has demanded compensation for damage caused by U.S. attacks, an end to sanctions and an end to military threats against Iran.
On Aug. 7, a U.S. official told Reuters that Iran and Oman were close to a deal that could restore safe passage through the strategic waterway, a major route for global oil and gas shipments before Iran blocked it following U.S. and Israeli attacks that began in late February.
“Once the deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The official said U.S. actions would depend on Iran implementing its commitments.
Araqchi said Iran and the U.S. were not holding direct talks and Tehran would not enter negotiations while Washington violates an interim agreement signed in June. Messages are being exchanged through intermediaries, he said.
U.S. President Donald Trump told Axios the U.S. was “low-keying” its engagement with Iran, saying Washington was only “semi-negotiating” while monitoring Iran’s economic situation.