Iran and Oman Reach Agreement on Strait of Hormuz Shipping Plan
Nashnova编辑部
Iran and Oman agreed on a shipping route map for vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran's foreign minister immediately clarified that the strait has not reopened — that depends on conditions the U.S. must meet, leaving no timeline for restoring a waterway that carried a fifth of global oil and gas.
What does this agreement actually cover?
Iran and Oman agreed on a vessel route map for crossing the strait — a bilateral arrangement to protect each side's sovereignty and ensure safe passage.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said further rounds of talks will follow.
But the agreement leaves two key issues unresolved: whether ships must pay transit fees, and what security arrangements will apply.
This means → the deal settles the technical question of "which route," while "who protects the ships" and "who pays" remain blank.
Is the strait actually reopening?
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified on Telegram that the agreement with Oman does not mean the strait is reopening.
He said reopening "is a separate matter that depends on other conditions the United States must fulfill."
He added that Iran is in contact with mediators including Qatar and Pakistan, but "this does not constitute negotiations — we have not decided to resume talks with the U.S."
In plain terms = the route map is drawn, but the key to the gate is not in Iran's or Oman's hands — without a U.S. green light, the strait stays effectively closed.
How hard is the U.S. position?
The U.S. was not part of these talks and is unlikely to accept any terms that fall short of restoring free passage through the strait.
Speaking on Long Island on Friday, President Trump called the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports "a wall of steel" and said he would "soon declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory."
In a Fox News interview the same day, he said the U.S. plans to ramp up economic pressure on Iran and does not care whether the conflict ends before the November midterm elections.
This reflects a clear U.S. negotiating floor: full free passage or continued pressure — no middle ground.
Are attacks still happening?
Vessel attacks in the strait have continued alongside the talks. UK Maritime Trade Operations reported Saturday that a bulk carrier's hull was struck by a projectile.
Two ships belonging to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were attacked while transiting the strait on Thursday; a third was hit Friday evening, according to UAE state news agency WAM.
The International Maritime Organization counted roughly 65 confirmed vessel incidents and 17 seafarer deaths across the strait and the wider Middle East conflict zone as of August 11.
What does this mean for oil prices?
Brent crude rose nearly 6% this week as expectations for a quick resolution faded.
Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz carried roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and gas transit volume.
This means → whether the U.S. and Iran can bridge their conditions on control of the strait is the central variable for when this waterway returns to normal — until then, the risk premium in oil prices is unlikely to fade.
Content is for reference only, not financial advice.