The Associated Press reports, citing two regional sources, that the Iranian and Omani delegations have finished and concluded discussions on a draft agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The report follows earlier Wednesday reports that the draft text was completed and awaiting Supreme Leader approval.
The Associated Press confirmed Wednesday evening, citing two regional sources, that the Iranian and Omani delegations have concluded discussions on a draft agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The confirmation follows a day of rapid diplomatic developments, with earlier reports throughout Wednesday pointing to a final text nearing approval.
As The Zioneer reported at 07:22 Jerusalem, AP earlier cited regional sources saying the draft agreement was complete and awaiting the approval of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Supreme National Security Council. Throughout Wednesday morning (07:20 Jerusalem), a cascade of reports emerged: the Iranian Foreign Ministry announced agreement on a shipping route and joint management; a regional diplomat told i24NEWS the announcement was expected Thursday; and Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed a joint statement with Oman was imminent. The thread shows a steady progression from initial reports of a draft framework, through agreement on coordinates and routing, to the final conclusion of discussions.
The proposed 60-day interim framework, based on the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, is intended to facilitate the resumption of nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran. The US has confirmed significant progress toward reopening the Strait (as The Zioneer reported Tuesday, Aug 4). Under the emerging arrangement, inbound vessels would pass through Iranian territorial waters while outbound traffic would use Omani waters—a compromise agreed to by Iran's Foreign Minister, according to earlier reports (N12, Aug 2).
What remains unconfirmed is whether the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has signaled its support for the finalized agreement. Previous reports indicated internal friction between Iran's diplomatic echelon and the IRGC over the terms. The agreement still requires final approval from the Supreme Leader before it can take effect.
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