Oman and Iran advance Hormuz route talks amid persistent maritime attacks
While Muscat reports positive progress in negotiations with Tehran, Iranian officials warn that an immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains contingent on Washington meeting specific demands, including compensation for alleged deal violations.
Oman has confirmed that constructive discussions are underway with Iran regarding the establishment of a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, although Tehran has cautioned that any agreement will not lead to an immediate reopening of the vital waterway. The Sultanate’s foreign ministry stated that talks are progressing, with both sides indicating that discussions are in their final stages. However, a timeline for finalising the arrangement remains unclear, and Muscat has warned against further attacks on shipping that could undermine the proposed route.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that negotiations are nearing completion but stressed that the strait’s reopening is subject to additional conditions. Tehran has effectively blockaded the waterway, which handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas, since the United States and Israel began military operations in February. Araghchi indicated that a full resumption of traffic depends on the US providing compensation for what Iran describes as violations of a June Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that collapsed shortly after being signed.
Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, Iran’s security chief, outlined six specific demands for the United States, including a halt to threats against Iran, the removal of naval blockades on Iranian ports, and the release of frozen assets. Zolqadr told the semi-official Tasnim news agency that the strait would not reopen until Washington “corrects” its behaviour. These demands come amidst a broader regional conflict, including a separate blockade on Saudi ports in the Red Sea imposed by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis since 20 July.
Tensions escalated further this weekend with reports of hostile actions against commercial vessels. The United Arab Emirates foreign ministry confirmed that a tanker affiliated with its state-owned oil company, ADNOC, was struck by a missile in a “hostile Iranian attack.” The ministry reported no casualties. Separately, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency confirmed that a ship was hit by an unknown projectile off the coast of Oman, causing a fire that was subsequently extinguished. It remains unclear whether the vessel targeted by UKMTO is the same ADNOC tanker reported by the UAE.
US Vice-President JD Vance expressed scepticism regarding a near-term diplomatic resolution, stating that significant work remains despite the progress reported by Oman. Vance told Fox News that the US is employing a range of diplomatic, economic, and military tools to secure an optimal outcome. He also disputed reports that Iran intends to impose tolls on vessels, claiming that Tehran has stated it has no plans to charge fees for transit through the strait.
