Iran-Oman Deal Close on Strait of Hormuz, But US Compensation Required
A deal to open the Strait of Hormuz is reportedly close between Iran and Oman, but Tehran says it will not be enough to free up the waterway without US compensation. The previous shipping traffic separation scheme through the strait was no longer acceptable to Iran, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi.
A U.S. official said Washington anticipated an agreement soon between Iran and Oman so that normal oil traffic could resume. However, Iranian Revolutionary Guards spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi stated that re-opening the Strait of Hormuz depended on Washington accepting Iran's conditions.
The proposed deal would give Tehran control over ships entering the Gulf through the strait, a significant concession to Iran. The U.S. has repeatedly insisted it would never agree to Iran controlling access to the world’s most important trade route for energy supplies.