Tehran: Iran and Oman have reportedly reached an agreement on restoring the movement of ships through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Iran, however, has said that the United States must adhere to the terms of a memorandum of understanding signed in June before the waterway can be fully reopened. No joint official statement has yet been issued regarding the reported agreement.
The development comes after US President Donald Trump said he would declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory. According to a report by Iran International, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said arrangements would be made to ensure safe navigation through the waterway.
The report said that the two coastal countries were working to establish clearly defined entry and exit corridors to facilitate safe commercial shipping while safeguarding their respective national sovereignty.
Iran is expected to oversee commercial vessels entering Iranian ports, while Oman would manage ships leaving the area. Technical discussions on the arrangement are reportedly continuing, with operational protocols, communication channels and environmental safety measures still being finalised.
Iranian officials have stressed that, despite progress in the discussions, the waterway will not reopen immediately. Tehran has said that the full restoration of shipping would depend on the United States honouring certain commitments, including lifting naval restrictions imposed on Iran, ending military threats and removing economic sanctions.
Trump had earlier claimed that Iran was performing very poorly and said he would declare the Strait of Hormuz as US territory. Iran has issued a strong response to the remarks.