At the end of February, when war broke out between the United States and Iran, Tehran effectively blocked this strait, through which normally one-fifth of the world’s liquefied natural gas and oil cargoes are transported in peacetime.
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Iran and Oman, both bordering the strait, have been discussing the future of shipping through this waterway for several weeks, and Tehran states that the geographical coordinates of the proposed route by both countries are “already agreed upon”.
“We are also awaiting an agreement between the Sultanate of Oman and Iran regarding the strait, which would allow us to return to negotiations,” said Majed al Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to journalists.
“With an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz, it would be much easier for us to resume negotiations between the United States and Iran,” he added.
The memorandum of understanding signed by both countries in June effectively collapsed over the issue of strait management.
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Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf earlier on Tuesday stated that this strategic waterway will not be opened until the United States meets Tehran’s demands, including lifting the military naval blockade.
On Monday, Iran said that negotiations with Oman are “seriously ongoing” and that opinions are currently being exchanged regarding the text of a “joint statement”.
Tehran demands that ships obtain permission and pay transit service fees, but Washington and several regional countries oppose this. Iran has struck ships that tried to sail through the strait without requesting permission.
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it “interferes” with the agreement with Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz and urged Tehran to surrender in the war, which is becoming an increasing political burden for him in his country.
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