Joint Statement Expected as Iran-Oman Talks Near Completion

New York, August 6 – Iran and Oman are on the brink of finalising a joint statement that will outline the terms for reopening the Hormuz Strait, a vital conduit for global energy shipments. Ismail Baghei, spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry, told reporters that the two sides have already agreed on the precise geographic coordinates that will define the navigation corridor. The draft of the joint statement is now in its final review stage and could be issued shortly, provided no external actors disrupt the process.

The forthcoming agreement grants Iran the responsibility to monitor all vessels that transit the Gulf via its designated shipping lane, as well as those departing the waterway. Iran will also retain the right to intervene when necessary to protect navigation safety. Earlier reports indicated that Tehran and Muscat are moving away from separate northern and southern routes, opting instead for a single, shared intermediate corridor that addresses the security concerns of both nations.

Under the plan, ships will enter the Persian Gulf through a corridor adjacent to the Iranian coast, while the exit route will be managed by Oman. Both parties will collect a service fee for the use of the passage but will not impose tolls, a practice considered illegal under international law and previously opposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Iran stressed that no other country participated in the negotiations, framing the initiative as a bypass of U.S. involvement.

U.S. Treasury Secretary had expressed confidence that the strait would be opened by Wednesday, a sentiment echoed by President Trump. Those deadlines have now passed without the waterway being fully operational. Since the February attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States, the Hormuz Strait—carrying roughly 20 % of the world’s oil and gas cargoes—has remained largely closed or severely disrupted for most vessels.