Iran, Oman Agree On Shipping Route Through Strait Of Hormuz

Iran and Oman have agreed on a shipping route for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and are finalising arrangements for the joint management of the strategic waterway.

According to Iranian officials, the agreement marks a significant step toward reopening one of the world’s most important energy corridors. However, Tehran maintained that any broader restoration of maritime access would depend on the United States ending what it described as a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Iran has maintained de facto control of the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of its conflict with the United States and Israel on February 28, repeatedly warning vessels against using routes it considers unauthorised.

While US President Donald Trump has said Iran is seeking an agreement to reopen the waterway, Tehran has denied holding such negotiations with Washington, insisting it is working directly with neighbouring Oman.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said both countries had agreed on the geographical coordinates of the proposed route and were in the final stages of preparing a joint statement outlining the terms of the agreement.

“The geographical coordinates of the route envisaged by the two sides have been agreed upon and, if certain third parties do not obstruct the process, the joint statement of the two countries, containing the main considerations and points of agreement, is also in the final review and drafting stage,” Baqaei said.

He cautioned that the agreement would not automatically make the waterway safe for international shipping, arguing that continued US military activities remained a major security concern.

“The factors making the Strait of Hormuz insecure still exist on the part of the United States, particularly the naval blockade and other aggressive and threatening actions against Iran and its interests,” he added.

Concerns over security in the region persisted on Wednesday after the captain of an oil tanker reported hearing two explosions while navigating the Strait of Hormuz, about nine nautical miles southeast of Kumzar, Oman. Britain’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel and its crew were unharmed.

Separately, Yemen’s Houthi movement claimed responsibility for missile attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, identified as Wafa and Daisy, in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden respectively. Saudi authorities had not commented on the claims at the time of reporting.

Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports, making it one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes. The disruption has fuelled repeated spikes in global energy prices and intensified diplomatic pressure on all parties involved.

Speaking to Fox News, US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that resolving tensions with Iran would likely take time, citing divisions within the country’s leadership.

“It’s going to be messy and it’s going to take some time to get there,” Vance said.

He added that Iran remained “an extraordinarily difficult” negotiating partner with what he described as “a fractured system.”

Iran has continued to insist that vessels use routes closer to its coastline, while many commercial ships have opted for the southern passage near Oman, where some have also faced security incidents.

Although President Trump has recently threatened stronger action against Iran before suggesting that a deal could be reached, Tehran has continued to deny that negotiations with Washington are underway.