According to a report by Axios, the United States, Iran, and Oman are nearing a 60-day interim agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The deal would route inbound vessels through Iranian territorial waters and outbound vessels through Omani waters, with no tolls collected. Mines in the central lane would be cleared within 30 days, and the US could announce the agreement as early as Wednesday. Mediators Qatar, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia also participated, and the White House was directly involved in the talks.
This morning, the final approval for a 60-day interim agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz was received, according to a report by Axios. The deal, which could be announced as early as today, Wednesday, would route inbound vessels through Iranian territorial waters and outbound vessels through Omani waters, with no tolls collected. The central shipping lane would be cleared of mines within 30 days, after which it would open to two-way traffic. The agreement also includes provisions for a permanent arrangement to be negotiated after the 60-day period. The White House was directly involved in the talks, and Qatar, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia participated as mediators.
The Zioneer first reported at 05:27 Jerusalem that the deal could be announced as soon as today. By 07:20, a series of reports confirmed that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had given principle approval, that the United States was considering extensive military strikes against Iran if the diplomatic effort fails, and that final approval from the Supreme Leader and the Supreme National Security Council had been received on Tuesday. An article at 07:22 provided additional details on the routing and mine-clearing timeline.
The agreement is part of a broader diplomatic framework known as the 'Islamabad Agreement,' which has been under negotiation since June. As The Zioneer reported on June 15, Iran's Supreme National Security Council declared a permanent end to hostilities on all fronts, and President Trump indicated on June 12 that the US and Iran were close to a 60-day ceasefire deal. The deal aims to de-escalate direct confrontation between the US and Iran, reopen the strait, and restart nuclear negotiations. However, Israeli officials have expressed skepticism, citing concerns over Iran's missile capabilities and regional proxies.
While the final approval has been received, the deal has not yet been formally announced. The US announcement could come as early as today. Questions remain about the full backing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has been a point of emphasis in earlier mediation efforts. The viability of the 60-day timeline and the subsequent permanent arrangement also remain to be seen.
6 developments
- ConfirmedU.S. and Iran reportedly near agreement on nuclear freeze, sanctions relief, and Strait of Hormuz reopening
- StrongOmani mediators optimistic for Strait of Hormuz breakthrough in coming days, Bloomberg reports
- StrongTrump: US and Iran close to 60-day ceasefire deal, Strait of Hormuz to reopen
- DevelopingReport: Iran drawing up plan for post-closure Strait of Hormuz reopening
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