Iran and Oman have reached a framework for a temporary agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with the plan dividing control of entry and exit from the strategic waterway, MS Now reported.
Oman has agreed to the framework, two unnamed Middle East diplomats cited by MS Now said, although there has been no confirmation that Iran has approved it.
Under the proposed arrangement, Iran would control entry into the Strait of Hormuz while Oman would oversee vessels exiting the waterway. The strait carries 20% of the world’s oil and gas supplies.
Iranian officials said fees would not initially be imposed on vessels passing through the strait.
The United States has said it would only accept an agreement to reopen the waterway if it guarantees free passage for all vessels. A US official also said any agreement should ensure there are no “impediments” to passage, including requirements for vessels to obtain permission.
The United States and the United Nations International Maritime Organization are expected to participate in the formal announcement of the agreement, according to sources cited in the report. The timing of any announcement has not yet been determined.
Members of the Gulf Cooperation Council have also endorsed the proposed arrangement, MS Now reported, citing an unnamed Gulf government official.
The reported framework follows indications earlier in the week that Oman and Iran were moving toward an agreement over reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media subsequently reported that progress toward a potential agreement had stalled because of threats by President Donald Trump to resume US military action if Iran does not agree to a peace deal.
