According to a report by the American news website Axios on August 4, two local sources and an American official revealed that the United States, Iran, and Oman are close to reaching a temporary agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. side is striving to announce this agreement publicly on August 5.
Negotiations surrounding the temporary agreement to reopen the Hormuz Strait have been ongoing for several weeks. The agreement aims to restore ceasefire between the United States and Iran and restart negotiations on a nuclear agreement. At the same time, it seeks to “partially satisfy” Iran’s demand for greater control over navigation in the Hormuz Strait. Reports indicate that this control is something Iran did not have before the war.
Two regional sources revealed that the agreement under discussion sets a temporary arrangement of 60 days for the reopening of the Hormuz Strait, to be implemented jointly by Oman and Iran. The duration of this arrangement could potentially be extended further.
Specifically, all ships that enter the Persian Gulf through the strait will pass through Iranian waters via the northern route. All ships that enter the Arabian Sea through the strait will, in coordination with Iran, pass through Oman’s waters via the southern route.
Within a 60-day period, no tolls or other fees will be charged. All parties will clear the mines from the central channel of the strait within 30 days. Once the central channel is cleared, it will be used for vessel navigation, in accordance with the permanent arrangements negotiated between Oman and Iran.
Regional sources said that in addition to negotiations between Oman and Iran, officials from Qatar, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia also played a role in mediating the talks. Additionally, the White House was actively involved in the negotiations. Over the past few days, U.S. Special Envoy Steve Wittkowitz, Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Al-Aragchi, and Oman's Foreign Minister Bader have held several meetings.
According to two regional sources, Alaghi agreed in principle to the agreement last weekend, but it still requires the approval of Iran’s supreme leader, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the Supreme National Security Council. An American official and a regional source said that the Iranian leadership completed the approval process on the 4th.
But according to reports by Iranian official media cited by Reuters on the 5th, sources familiar with the matter said that any agreement reached between Oman and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz could be postponed if 'the United States continues to threaten Iran'.
On the 3rd, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bagheri stated that Iran is not currently in any negotiations with the United States, and there are no plans to receive delegations or send Iranian delegations.
Bagheer said on the 4th that Iran is negotiating with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz, and there has been "positive progress" at both technical and political levels.
Qatar Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Makgid Anbari said that negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz issue are in a "very smooth phase" and draft agreements have been circulated between all parties.
Trump threatened to launch another round of attacks against Iran last week, but soon agreed to cancel the military strikes.
Trump said in an interview with Fox News on the 4th that the U.S. government had "very good" discussions with Iran during those negotiations, and stated that the Strait of Hormuz would "soon be reopened." However, he also warned that "if they (Iran) go back on their promises, they will suffer serious consequences."
