Tehran: Iran and Oman are moving closer to an arrangement that could allow some commercial ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, offering a possible path out of a crisis that has disrupted one of the world's most important energy routes.
The two countries have agreed in principle to work on a temporary shipping corridor through the strait and to cooperate on clearing possible sea mines. The development comes after weeks of discussions between Tehran and Muscat over how shipping could safely resume.
However, the agreement does not mean that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened. Iranian officials have made clear that the waterway will remain restricted until the United States meets conditions demanded by Tehran, including ending its blockade of Iranian ports and easing sanctions.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the temporary route would be about seven miles, or 11.3 kilometres, wide. Ships entering the Persian Gulf would use a route passing through Iranian territorial waters, while part of the route for vessels leaving the Gulf would pass through both Iranian and Omani waters.
The arrangement is intended as a temporary measure while the two countries continue negotiations on a longer term system for managing traffic through the strategic waterway.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said he was hopeful that the temporary corridor could be announced soon. Iran and Oman also agreed to work on clearing mines from the strait, an issue that has become one of the biggest concerns for commercial shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Indian Ocean. Before the current conflict, more than one fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the waterway. Its disruption has therefore had consequences far beyond the Middle East, affecting energy prices, shipping companies and countries that depend heavily on Gulf energy supplies.
For months, commercial traffic through the strait has remained far below normal levels. On Tuesday, only five commodity vessels were recorded crossing the waterway, compared with a recent average of about 15 vessels. The figure highlights the gap between diplomatic discussions and a genuine return to normal shipping.
The United States remains central to the dispute. Iran says it will not fully reopen the strait unless Washington fulfils commitments linked to an earlier interim agreement. Tehran has demanded an end to the American blockade on Iranian ports, relief from sanctions and other measures before normal navigation can resume.
Washington, meanwhile, has continued to increase economic pressure on Iran. The United States has threatened further sanctions against countries and companies that continue doing business with Tehran. Iran has rejected the campaign and accused Washington of trying to undermine its regional relationships.
The situation has also raised concerns among shipping companies. An oil tanker was recently disabled by an unidentified projectile near Oman's coast close to the entrance of the strait. The incident has reinforced fears that the waterway remains dangerous even if a temporary navigation agreement is reached.
Iran has also announced a blacklist of 45 ships as part of its efforts to restrict ship to ship transfers that it says are being used to bypass its blockade. The move has added another layer of uncertainty for companies deciding whether to send vessels through the area.
The developments have nevertheless brought some relief to energy markets. Oil prices fell on Wednesday as traders became more hopeful that a negotiated arrangement could eventually restore traffic through Hormuz. Brent crude fell to its lowest level since August 10 during trading, while US crude also declined.
The market reaction shows how closely oil prices are tied to developments around the strait. Traders are not yet responding to a full reopening, but rather to the possibility that the current restrictions could gradually be eased.
Iran and Oman now face the difficult task of turning their political understanding into a working system. They still need to settle technical details covering navigation, security, information sharing and the future administration of the waterway.
The two countries are also expected to continue discussions on a permanent navigation corridor. That could take weeks or longer, particularly because the United States remains opposed to several of Iran's demands.
For now, the proposed temporary corridor represents a cautious diplomatic opening rather than a final solution. If commercial vessels begin moving safely and regularly through the route, it could ease pressure on global energy markets and provide momentum for wider negotiations.
But if the talks fail, or another serious attack occurs, the limited optimism surrounding Hormuz could quickly disappear.
The coming days will therefore be closely watched by governments, energy companies and shipping operators around the world. The most important test will not simply be whether Iran and Oman announce a corridor, but whether commercial vessels are actually able and willing to use it safely.