3 weeks ago
Iran and Oman near deal to reopen Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a very important waterway where many ships travel, and it has been closed.
Two countries, Iran and Oman, are working on a deal to open it up again, and the deal might be signed as early as Wednesday night, according to a TV news report from Israel.
America is not helping directly, but a special helper named Steve Witkoff has been talking to both countries.
At first, the waterway would be open for 60 days, and it could be kept open longer.
Ships going into the Persian Gulf would use Iran's side, and ships going out to the Arabian Sea would use Oman's side, with no fees charged.
Before traffic can flow, the countries need to clear dangerous underwater bombs called mines, and there could be 70 to 100 of them.
After the main path is safe, ships can travel in both directions.
During the 60 days, Iran and Oman will also talk about a permanent plan for ships using the strait.
No one has officially confirmed the deal yet.
Iran and Oman are close to an agreement to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with signing possible as early as Wednesday night, according to Israel's Channel 12.
The United States is not directly participating in the negotiations, but Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has stayed in regular contact with the Iranian and Omani foreign ministers.
The strait would reopen for an initial 60-day period, and the US-Iran ceasefire would be renewed as part of the deal.
Under the framework, vessels entering the Persian Gulf would use the Iranian side of the strait, while ships exiting to the Arabian Sea would use the Omani side, with no transit fees.
Iran and Oman would spend the first 30 days clearing naval mines, with an estimated 70 to 100 explosive devices still in the waterway; no party has officially confirmed the deal.
- Who
- Iran and Oman, with indirect US involvement through Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, who has been in regular contact with both foreign ministers.
- What
- An agreement to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz for an initial 60-day period, including renewal of the US-Iran ceasefire, mine-clearing operations, and negotiations on a permanent shipping framework.
- Where
- The Strait of Hormuz, negotiated between Tehran and Muscat.
- When
- The deal could be signed as early as Wednesday night, according to the report.
- Why
- To restore two-way maritime traffic through the strategic waterway and negotiate a permanent framework governing commercial shipping.
Key facts
- Reported by
- Israel's Channel 12
- Initial reopening period
- 60 days
- Transit fees
- None during the initial 60-day period
- Mine clearing timeline
- First 30 days of the agreement
- Estimated mines in the strait
- 70-100 explosive devices
- Ships entering the Persian Gulf
- Use the Iranian side of the strait
- Ships exiting to the Arabian Sea
- Use the Omani side of the strait
- Official confirmation
- Not yet confirmed by Iran, Oman, or the US
Sources
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