DUBAI — Iran and Oman are nearing a final agreement on a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday, in a potentially significant step toward restoring navigation through one of the world's most important energy transit corridors after months of disruption.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the two countries had agreed on the geographic coordinates of the proposed route and that a joint statement outlining the main elements of the agreement was in the final stages of drafting, provided there was no interference from unnamed third parties, according to Iranian state media.
Baghaei said any agreement between Tehran and Muscat would not by itself guarantee security in the strategic waterway, underscoring that broader regional conditions would remain a factor affecting maritime traffic.
The Strait of Hormuz, bordered by Iran and Oman, is a critical chokepoint for global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Shipping through the passage has been severely disrupted during the regional conflict, contributing to heightened volatility in energy markets.
Iran has previously insisted that any long-term arrangement must preserve a measure of Iranian oversight over shipping lanes, while Oman has acted as the principal intermediary in negotiations on reopening the waterway. Previous proposals have linked progress on navigation arrangements to wider diplomatic efforts in the region.
Neither the Omani government nor other parties involved had publicly announced a final agreement as of Thursday. The proposed arrangement remained under review, and officials indicated discussions were continuing as details were finalized.
