Oman reports progress in Hormuz talks as Iran sets conditions
Developing story first seen 3 hours ago
Oman says negotiations with Iran on securing a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz are progressing, but Tehran insists any agreement would not immediately reopen the waterway. The UAE has also accused Iran of striking an Adnoc-linked tanker with a missile, with no casualties reported, underlining the continuing risk to shipping despite the talks.
Iran says reopening the strait depends on the US meeting several conditions, including compensation, an end to threats, lifting a naval blockade of Iranian ports and releasing frozen assets. The strait normally carries about a fifth of global oil and natural-gas supplies; US officials say they are working on safe passage arrangements and deny Iran plans to impose transit fees.
- Hormuz negotiations are advancing, but reopening remains conditional.
- UAE alleges Iran struck an Adnoc-linked tanker.
- Disruption threatens a major global energy route.
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The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow stretch of water between Iran and Oman that links the Persian Gulf to the open sea. It is one of the world’s most important shipping routes because large volumes of oil and liquefied natural gas pass through it each day.
Iran controls the northern side of the strait, while Oman has often acted as a mediator between Iran and Western countries. The United States has a major naval presence in the region and works with Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates, to protect commercial shipping.
Disruption in the strait can delay energy supplies and raise transport and fuel costs around the world. Tensions there also create risks for crews and vessels travelling to and from ports in the Gulf.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of the talks would argue that even limited progress is valuable because the Strait of Hormuz is vital to global energy supplies and commercial shipping. A negotiated, internationally understood route could reduce the risk of miscalculation, protect crews and cargoes, and give all parties a practical way to lower tensions without requiring a broader political settlement. They may also see Oman's mediation as a credible channel for building confidence step by step.
The case against
Sceptics would argue that an agreement on a shipping route is inadequate if Iran maintains that it would not amount to reopening the strait. They may worry that ambiguous terms could leave vessels exposed to disruption, coercion or sudden changes in interpretation, while allowing the underlying security crisis to persist. From this perspective, any deal should include clear guarantees of safe passage, transparent enforcement and safeguards against one party retaining effective control over an international waterway.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Hormuz talks positive, Oman says, as Iran warns deal would not open strait”.