A source familiar with the details told i24NEWS that talks between Iran and Oman on a temporary solution for the Strait of Hormuz are advancing. According to the source, the proposed arrangement would allow Iran access to the strait from its side, followed by a mine-clearing operation in the middle of the waterway. The source added that the United States has been 'much more' flexible in its demands than Oman, and that any agreement reached between Iran and Oman would likely be acceptable to Washington. 'Iran has conveyed a message: any solution we agree upon and sign must also be approved by Washington,' the source said.
A source familiar with the maritime diplomacy told i24NEWS on Tuesday that Iran and Oman are making progress on a temporary solution for the Strait of Hormuz. According to the source, the proposed arrangement would open a route through the Iranian side of the strait, followed by a mine-clearing operation in the middle channel. The source characterized the United States as 'much more' flexible than Oman and indicated that any agreement between Tehran and Muscat would require Washington's final approval.
Earlier today (Tue 08:05 Jerusalem), multiple reports detailed the evolving framework. The New York Times reported that the emerging deal would include lane separation—vessels entering via Iranian waters and exiting via Omani waters—along with a 'service fee' for Iran. The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran is demanding security guarantees and sanctions relief. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran seeks full control over vessel entry and partial control over exit routes, requiring Omani notification before any ship exits. These reports, while differing in specifics, all point to a diplomatic effort to restore traffic through the strategic waterway under terms that would grant Iran significant influence.
The Zioneer has previously reported on the broader diplomatic context. On July 28, two regional diplomats told i24NEWS that progress had been made on a temporary solution involving a middle route between Omani and Iranian waters. On July 26, sources reported 'some progress' in Omani-Iranian talks but noted uncertainty, with Iran continuing to demand mandatory fees. In late June, an Iranian negotiator conditioned the reopening of the strait on Israeli restraint in Lebanon. In early June, a CBS report indicated a US-Iran MOU was likely. These antecedents show the gradual evolution of the talks.
The source did not provide a timeline for the temporary arrangement. It remains unclear whether Iran will accept the terms, which include mine-clearing and US approval. The demand for Washington's final sign-off suggests that any bilateral understanding between Iran and Oman will be subject to broader US-Iran normalization.
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