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Negotiations between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz have reached an advanced stage, with both nations reporting agreement on shipping route coordinates. The waterway, which separates Iran from Oman and the United Arab Emirates, has become a critical flashpoint in ongoing regional conflict. Approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies transit through the strait during normal operations.
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz following military strikes that began in late February, creating significant disruptions in energy markets worldwide. A previous peace framework signed in June between Washington and Tehran collapsed largely due to disagreements over acceptable shipping routes. Current discussions between Iran and Oman address technical, legal, security, and environmental considerations for establishing a new commercial corridor through the waterway.
Despite progress toward an agreement, substantial differences remain between the parties. American officials have stated they would not accept any arrangement granting Iran control over the strait. Meanwhile, Iran maintains that it should jointly manage navigation with Oman according to their territorial waters and continues to assert it is negotiating exclusively with Oman rather than directly with the United States. Iranian officials have also indicated that reopening the strait would require resolution of broader security concerns, including US naval deployments.
Even if an agreement on shipping routes materializes, experts note this would represent only a temporary arrangement and would not constitute a comprehensive resolution to regional tensions or lead automatically to broader peace talks between Iran and the United States.
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Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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