Iran, Oman reach agreement to temporarily reopen Strait of Hormuz as negotiations continue

Iran and Oman have reached a deal to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, an Iranian official said — with both countries vowing to continue negotiations over the next several months to establish a more “permanent” solution. A joint statement released Tuesday includes details on managing ship traffic in and out of the crucial waterway — which the countries have previously suggested would operate under a toll system. “The proposed framework includes the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines,” said the two nations. 4 Iranian and Omani negotiators met on Tuesday to discuss an interim plan to open the Strait of Hormuz under joint management. IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTRY HANDOUT/EPA/Shutterstock 4 Traffic along the Strait of Hormuz remains well below pre-war levels when more than 130 ships would sail through the waterway every day. Getty Images “Technical negotiations between the two sides would continue with a view to agreeing on a permanent navigational corridor and future administration of the Strait, as well as a mechanism for information-sharing, traffic management, and the provision of relevant navigational and security services,” they added. Inbound traffic from the Gulf of Oman into the Persian Gulf would pass through Iranian territory. Outbound traffic, meanwhile, would pass partly through Iranian waters and partly through Oman’s waters. The two countries would then continue talks over the next couple of months to “reach an understanding on a new permanent and sustainable route,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state TV. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi said he was optimistic that the Strait, which was free and open for navigation before the war, would be reopened soon, describing talks with his Iranian counterpart as constructive. Explore More Oil tanker attacked as it tried to sneak through Strait of Hormuz via US-protected route — after Iran vowed retaliation for sanctions China warns US of retaliation if it’s affected by Iran sanctions: ‘All necessary measures’ Trump claims Strait of Hormuz is de-mined — and being watched by Space Force Iran, however, has warned that its deal with Oman would not immediately allow traffic to return to normal along the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that the waterway would only truly be open once the US submits to its peace conditions. That would include lifting the naval blockade on Iranian ports and removing the sanctions barring Iran from selling oil at market prices. President Trump has warned against such a move, and even threatened to bomb Oman , a US ally, if it “gets in the way.” The joint statement from Tehran and Muscat comes as Pakistan army Chief Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with Iranian officials in Tehran as part of Islamabad’s mediation efforts. 4 Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets with Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi. via REUTERS 4 The Strait of Hormuz, which sees the transport of 20% of the world’s oil supply, is located between Iran and Oman. Anadolu via Getty Images The officials claimed the talks led to major progress to end the war in Iran, which is approaching its seventh month. “Significant progress was made, and the meeting concluded on a highly positive note. We remain hopeful that this momentum will help pave the way for further progress and lasting peace in the region,” Naqvi wrote on X. Munir had spoken with Trump ahead of the talks in Tehran, Reuters reported. Trump on Tuesday announced that “every square inch” of the Strait has been completely de-mined and that the waterway was being monitored by the US Space Force for potential new explosives. “There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect,” Trump added. A source told The Post that the number of mines, their types and locations were a closely held secret. With Post wires