TEHRAN: The United States, Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a 60-day interim agreement to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a report by US news outlet Axios, citing two regional sources and one US official, Axios reported that the formal announcement could come as soon as today. Under the proposed framework, inbound commercial vessels to Iran will use the Iranian maritime route while outbound vessels will use the Omani maritime route.
The system will be implemented in coordination with Iran. No toll taxes or transit fees will be charged on commercial ships during the 60-day period. Sources say the purpose of the interim deal is to solidify the recent ceasefire between the US and Iran and to create a conducive environment for renewed negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program.
The report states that Oman, Qatar, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia played a key mediating role in the diplomatic push over the past few weeks. Axios added that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had agreed to the framework in principle over the weekend, and Iran’s top leadership finalized approval on Tuesday.
As of now, no official announcement has been made and there has been no confirmation from the US, Iran or Oman. The development is therefore being treated as a media report based on sources. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, and any agreement to ensure safe passage is expected to ease global energy market tensions.
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