Iran said a deal with Oman that would establish a new mechanism for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz is nearly complete.
“The geographic coordinates of the route envisioned by both sides have been agreed upon,” the spokesman for Iran’s foreign ministry, Esmail Baghaei, explained. “If certain third parties do not obstruct the process, a joint statement by the two countries, containing the principal considerations and points of agreement, is currently in the final stages of review and drafting.”
According to officials speaking with The New York Times, the deal would allow ships to enter the Persian Gulf through the Iranian side of the Strait while using Omani territory to exit the Gulf.
The deal includes “service fees” or tolls for ships transiting the Strait. Muscat and Tehran will split the funds. Additionally, Tehran will have full control over inbound traffic while Iran and Oman will have joint control over outbound shipping.
The deal will not result in the immediate reopening of the Strait. Tehran plans to keep the waterway closed until the US complies with the Memorandum of Understanding.
An Iranian source speaking with Al-Jazeera explained to the outlet that the deal with Oman could reopen negotiations with the US. However, they added that several issues with Washington remain unresolved.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazen Gharibabdi said on Wednesday that there are no ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran.
