US close to deal on Strait of Hormuz - Axios
Kyiv • UNN
The US, Iran, and Oman are nearing a 60-day interim agreement to restore operations in the Strait of Hormuz. The deal provides for the separation of vessel traffic and mine clearance, but requires Iran's approval.
The United States, Iran, and Oman are nearing a temporary agreement to restore operations in the Strait of Hormuz, with the US planning to announce it on Wednesday, according to two regional sources and a US official, Axios reports, writes UNN.
Details
"The agreement, negotiations over which have been ongoing for several weeks, aims to restore a ceasefire between the US and Iran and restart talks on a nuclear deal," the publication states.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday decided not to carry out threats to launch a massive bombing campaign to give more time for diplomacy. However, if an agreement is not reached soon, Trump may give the green light for large-scale strikes, the publication notes.
The new agreement will satisfy some of Iran's demands for increased control over traffic in the Strait of Hormuz—control it did not have before the war, the publication notes.
According to two regional sources, the discussed agreement establishes a 60-day temporary arrangement between Oman and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, which could be extended.
All inbound vessel traffic through the strait and into the Persian Gulf will use the northern lane through Iranian waters.
All outbound traffic through the strait and into the Arabian Sea will use the southern lane through Omani waters, in coordination with Iran.
No fees or charges will be collected during the 60-day period.
The parties will work on clearing the middle lane of the strait of naval mines within 30 days.
After clearing the middle lane, it will be used for inbound and outbound traffic according to the terms of a permanent agreement to be concluded between Oman and Iran.
As the publication notes, the White House, Oman, and regional mediators thought three weeks ago that they had reached an agreement with Iran, but Iran resumed attacks on ships. This led to two weeks of hostilities and nearly full-scale war.
In addition to negotiations between Oman and Iran, officials from Qatar, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia also participated in mediation efforts, regional sources report.
The White House was actively involved in the negotiations, regional sources report. In recent days, several phone calls took place between Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Oman's Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi.
Two regional sources said Araghchi agreed in principle over the past weekend, but still needs approval from Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and the Supreme National Security Council.
A US official and a regional source said the Iranian leadership completed the approval process on Tuesday.