Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Management Talks with Oman in Final Stages

Iran and Oman Discuss New Shipping Route
Positive Response to Qatar’s Mediation Proposal
Saudi Arabia Urges Trump to Pursue Dialogue
Control of the Strait and Transit Fees Remain Contentious Issues

Iran announced on August 2 (local time) that negotiations with Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz have entered the final stage. As the United States has held off on additional strikes against Iran, military tensions have temporarily eased, while regional mediation efforts for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz are gaining momentum.

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in an interview with the state broadcast that “the two sides will reach an agreement on a passage that both can accept,” adding, “This route is neither the northern nor the southern passage, but rather a channel that respects the sovereignty of both countries and protects our national interests and security.”

He stated, “Under Article 5 of the ceasefire agreement, Iran is tasked with managing the future of the Strait of Hormuz through consultations with Oman and dialogue with regional countries,” reiterating a provision of the memorandum of understanding with the United States. He also made it clear that “in no case will the Strait of Hormuz return to its previous state,” reaffirming Iran’s intention to maintain its influence throughout the management of the strait.

Spokesperson Baghaei claimed that during the 22 to 23 days since the implementation of the agreement began, the northern route of the strait has been maintained in total safety, and vessels have transited normally.

According to Bloomberg News, Iran and Oman are discussing the establishment of a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, which lies between the two countries. Spokesperson Baghaei clarified that the talks between the countries are focused on setting up a new passage, not on whether to fully reopen the strait. He asserted that the United States is responsible for the current disruptions in the passage of ships through the strait.

Qatar has reportedly also proposed a new mediation plan to Iran for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that a Qatari mediation team delivered a new proposal to Iran the previous day, to which Iranian diplomatic officials responded positively.

An Iranian diplomat also confirmed that Iran has maintained an open position toward the proposals of the mediating countries, but stated that the final outcome of an agreement remains uncertain.

The mediation plan is said to include measures for adjusting the shipping routes for vessels passing through the strait. The Strait of Hormuz borders Iran to the north and Oman to the south, and is a strategic chokepoint through which about 20% of global maritime oil shipments usually pass.

However, Iran continues to demand at least partial control over the bi-directional routes in the strait, as well as to levy fees or tolls on transiting vessels, making this a contentious issue in the final stage of talks. The United States has strongly objected to Iran’s demand for the imposition of tolls.

Iranian diplomatic officials are also reported to have recently proposed a new plan that links the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to the easing of sanctions on Iranian crude oil, on July 31.

Saudi Arabia has also urged the United States to ease tensions through dialogue with Iran.

Meanwhile, President Trump announced the previous day that Iran and Middle Eastern states are working toward an agreement for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and that he has decided to withhold additional strikes against Iran. However, significant hurdles are expected to remain before any final agreement and implementation can be reached, due to continuing sharp differences between the United States and Iran over control of the strait and the imposition of tolls.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.