Iran and Oman Draft Navigation Deal for Strait of Hormuz

The Government of Iran is in the final stages of drafting a navigation agreement with the Government of Oman to establish maritime transit protocols in the Strait of Hormuz. This diplomatic push follows a week of maritime instability in the waterway, characterized by at least two ship strikes and warnings issued by entities claiming to represent the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Parallel to the Oman deal, the United States and Iran are negotiating the broader reopening of the strait. President Donald Trump stated that these talks are "working out quite well," though he cautioned that military strikes could resume if negotiations fail. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi noted that the U.S. appears ready to return to previous commitments, but he clarified that the specific navigation talks are occurring between Iran and Oman, asserting that "no negotiations with the US have taken place during this period."

Tehran is seeking control over inbound shipping and oversight of outbound traffic, citing national security concerns. These developments occur amid wider regional violence, including a major Houthi rebel assault in Yemen that killed at least 30 government forces and the deaths of two Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.