Iran and Oman agree on Strait of Hormuz shipping route, but Iran says US blockade remains an obstacle
Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz and are finalizing arrangements for joint management of the strategic waterway. However, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated that any easing of tensions still depends on the United States ending its naval blockade of Iran's ports. Baqaei emphasized that factors making the strait insecure, particularly the US naval blockade and aggressive actions against Iran, persist. The agreement with Oman would not automatically make the strait safe for all vessels. This development comes amid continued security incidents, including a report from UKMTO of two explosions heard by an oil tanker transiting the strait, and Yemen's Houthis claiming to have struck two Saudi oil tankers. Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz handled approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and LNG exports. US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged the complexities of negotiations with Iran, citing divisions within Iran's leadership. Iran has insisted ships use a route hugging its coast, while many vessels have opted for a southern route near Oman, occasionally coming under fire. Iran seeks to control the strait and levy tolls, a move the US would oppose. Iran's foreign ministry denied ongoing negotiations with Washington, despite recent threats from US President Donald Trump.
