Iran says it is in the final stages of reaching an agreement with Oman on a new navigation framework for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors for global energy supplies.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said both countries have agreed on the proposed geographic coordinates for the shipping route and are reviewing a joint statement outlining the key terms of the agreement.
He added that the announcement could be made soon, provided there is no external interference.
The negotiations follow months of discussions aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz after Iran restricted maritime traffic in response to military strikes by the United States and Israel earlier this year. Tehran has maintained that it intends to retain a degree of oversight over navigation through the waterway.
Under the proposed arrangement, vessels entering the Arabian Gulf would use a channel close to Iran’s coastline, while outbound ships would transit a separate channel near Oman’s waters. The plan is intended to facilitate safe passage while addressing security and operational concerns.
Iranian officials have said the agreement would not impose transit tolls on commercial vessels. Instead, a service fee would be introduced to cover maritime security, environmental protection and operational support, with revenues shared equally between Iran and Oman, New York Times reports.
However, U.S. officials familiar with the negotiations disputed that claim, stating that any temporary navigation arrangements would not require Iranian approval or involve fees.
