In a context of possible regional de-escalation, the details of an agreement between Oman and Iran on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz emerge. According to a senior official quoted by Al Arabiya and Al Hadath, the two sides have defined the general lines of a temporary opening of the strait, pending the definitive one. The announcement could come in the next few days, after the green light from the Iranian National Security Council.
The proposed agreement would last 60 days and would aim to restore navigation and unblock the situation, preparatory to technical negotiations. There are no transit rights on ships. In the proposal, incoming units would use the shipping channel closest to Iran, while outgoing units would use the navigation channel closest to Oman. The central channel will be the subject of subsequent discussion, subject to demining operations and the necessary technical procedures, in which regional actors could also participate.
The news on the agreement comes close to US President Donald Trump’s declarations that the conflict with Iran could end “very soon”. Trump described the ongoing negotiations as positive, said that Tehran will not be able to resist for long and predicted a further drop in oil prices in the US once the war is over.