Iran, Oman Agree to Temporarily Reopen Strait of Hormuz

Iran and Oman have reached an agreement to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to an Iranian official, as both sides continue talks on a longer-term arrangement for the vital waterway.

The agreement was outlined in a joint statement released by the two countries on Tuesday. It sets out plans for managing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, including the creation of a temporary navigation corridor and efforts to remove mines from the waterway.

“The proposed framework includes the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines,” the two countries said.

The statement added that technical discussions would continue on a permanent route, future administration of the Strait, information-sharing, traffic control and navigational and security services.

Under the temporary arrangement, vessels travelling from the Gulf of Oman into the Persian Gulf would pass through Iranian waters. Ships travelling in the opposite direction would use a combination of Iranian and Omani waters.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said both countries would continue discussions over the coming months in an effort to agree on a permanent and sustainable route.

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi said he remained hopeful that the Strait of Hormuz would soon reopen. He described discussions with his Iranian counterpart as constructive and noted that the waterway had been open to navigation before the war.

However, Iran has stressed that the agreement with Oman does not mean shipping will immediately return to normal. Tehran says the Strait will only be fully reopened if the United States accepts its peace conditions.

Those demands include ending the naval blockade of Iranian ports and removing sanctions that prevent Iran from selling oil at market prices.

US President Donald Trump has opposed such demands and has also threatened Oman, a US ally, if it interferes in the dispute.

The agreement came as Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi travelled to Tehran as part of Islamabad’s efforts to mediate in the conflict.

Naqvi said the discussions had produced significant progress and expressed hope that they could contribute to lasting peace.

“Significant progress was made, and the meeting concluded on a highly positive note. We remain hopeful that this momentum will help pave the way for further progress and lasting peace in the region,” Naqvi wrote on X.

Munir had spoken with Trump before travelling to Tehran, according to Reuters.

Meanwhile, Trump said on Tuesday that “every square inch” of the Strait of Hormuz had been cleared of mines. He also said the US Space Force was monitoring the waterway for any new explosives.

“There is a Zero Tolerance policy on mine placement in full force and effect,” Trump added.

The developments leave the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz dependent on continued negotiations, security arrangements and the wider diplomatic efforts to end the war.

Do you think the temporary agreement can lead to a lasting reopening of the Strait of Hormuz?