Iran says Strait of Hormuz deal is near but would not reopen waterway alone

Saturday 08 August 2026 - 14:15

Iran said Saturday that an agreement with Oman over arrangements surrounding the Strait of Hormuz was close, but warned that such a deal alone would not be sufficient to restore normal passage through the strategic waterway.

The statement came after a U.S. official said Washington expected an agreement between Iran and Oman that could allow regular oil traffic to resume through the strait, one of the world's most important maritime routes for energy shipments.

Iran sets conditions for reopening the strait

Iranian Revolutionary Guards said that any arrangement would depend on the acceptance of conditions set by Tehran.

The comments cast uncertainty over hopes for a rapid reopening of the waterway. Although negotiations involving Oman appeared to be advancing, Iranian officials indicated that reaching an agreement would not automatically translate into unrestricted maritime traffic.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a critical passage for international energy markets. Any prolonged disruption can have consequences well beyond the region, particularly for oil-producing and importing countries.

UAE reports another strike on a vessel

The diplomatic developments were accompanied by fresh tensions at sea.

The United Arab Emirates said that Iran had struck another ship in the strait with a missile. The allegation added to concerns over the security of commercial vessels using the strategically important passage.

The report came as international attention remained focused on efforts to restore safe navigation and prevent further escalation in the region.

Oman plays central diplomatic role

Oman has emerged as a key intermediary in discussions over the Strait of Hormuz. Its geographic position, alongside Iran at the entrance to the waterway, gives it particular importance in any arrangement designed to restore maritime traffic.

A U.S. official said Washington was expecting an agreement soon between the two countries, with the aim of allowing normal oil shipments to resume.

Iran's latest comments, however, suggest that substantial differences remain and that a preliminary agreement with Oman would not by itself resolve the broader dispute over access to the waterway.

Global markets watching closely

The prospect of renewed disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has placed energy markets and international shipping under close scrutiny.

For now, the combination of diplomatic negotiations and reports of further maritime incidents leaves the future of commercial navigation uncertain. The coming days are likely to determine whether the emerging Iran-Oman understanding can translate into a broader arrangement capable of restoring regular traffic.