Iran, Oman Move to Ease Hormuz Crisis as Tehran Blames US Blockade for Shipping Risks
Iran and Oman are moving towards an arrangement aimed at facilitating the movement of vessels through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran has warned that the waterway cannot be considered fully safe while what it describes as a US naval blockade remains in place.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region and growing concerns over the security of commercial shipping through the strait, one of the world’s most important routes for the transportation of crude oil and other energy products.
Iranian authorities said the two countries had reached agreement on the geographical coordinates of a proposed route for vessels using the waterway and were working towards finalising a joint statement outlining the terms of the arrangement.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baqaei, said negotiations with Oman were progressing, while stressing that the initiative could face complications if other parties intervened.
He said the final document was still being reviewed and drafted, with both countries working towards establishing the key points of their understanding.However, Tehran maintained that an agreement with Oman alone would not eliminate the security threats confronting ships operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz.According to Baqaei, the presence and actions of the United States remained a major factor contributing to the insecurity of the waterway.
He specifically cited the alleged US naval blockade of Iranian ports and what he described as Washington’s aggressive actions against Iran and its interests.
The Iranian position contrasts with statements from US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly indicated that Tehran wants an agreement that would facilitate the reopening of the strait.
Iran, however, has rejected the suggestion that it is seeking a deal with Washington over the waterway, insisting instead that it is working directly with neighbouring Oman.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained at the centre of the latest regional security crisis following the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Iran has since exercised significant control over vessel movements through the strategic passage and has warned ships against using routes it considers unauthorised.
The latest developments have also been accompanied by fresh incidents involving commercial vessels, underscoring the uncertainty facing international shipping operators.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, UKMTO, said the captain of an oil tanker reported hearing two explosions while the vessel was travelling through the strait.
The incident occurred about nine nautical miles, approximately 17 kilometres, southeast of Kumzar in Oman. The vessel and its crew were reported to be safe.
Meanwhile, tensions have also spread to other major shipping routes in the region.
Yemen’s Houthi movement separately claimed responsibility for attacks on two Saudi oil tankers, marking the eighth and ninth vessels it said it had targeted since imposing a blockade on Saudi Arabia last month.
Houthi military spokesman Yahya Saree said missiles struck the tanker Wafa near Yanbu in northern Saudi Arabia and the tanker Daisy in the Gulf of Aden.
The competing claims and continuing attacks have heightened concerns over the safety of international maritime traffic across the Gulf region, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
For global energy markets, any prolonged disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could have wider consequences because of the waterway’s importance to international oil and gas supplies.
Efforts by Iran and Oman to establish a controlled passage could therefore represent an important step towards reducing tensions, although the success of the arrangement is likely to depend on developments involving Tehran and Washington and the broader regional security situation.
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