IRGC says US is obstructing Iran-Oman deal on Strait of Hormuz
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that the United States is obstructing an agreement between Tehran and Muscat on the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the IRGC, Iran and Oman have already agreed on their shares in managing this waterway, including the issue of revenues from its administration.
As CNBC Top News reports, the IRGC told the semi-official Tasnim agency that the strait, it claims, will remain closed unless the United States agrees to Iran’s terms.
Temporary navigation corridor
On Tuesday, Iran and Oman said in a joint statement that their foreign ministers had discussed a proposed framework for establishing a joint temporary navigation corridor in the Strait of Hormuz. The sides also discussed the implementation of a joint project to clear mines from the strait.
Technical talks are to continue to agree on a permanent navigation corridor and the future administration of the strait. They will also address information-sharing mechanisms, maritime traffic management, and the provision of navigation and security services.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Oil market and shipping
Following the joint statement by Iran and Oman, international benchmark Brent crude fell below $90 per barrel. The Brent quotation cited in the report was $86.51 per barrel.
According to preliminary Kpler data, five cargo vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, compared with a 10-day average of 15. Before the conflict surrounding Iran began, approximately one-fifth of global crude oil flows usually passed through the strait.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday that he intended to intensify economic pressure on Iran, its partners, and those facilitating trade with Tehran. At the same time, the United States has not yet imposed significant secondary sanctions against other countries, including Chinese financial companies suspected of facilitating trade in Iranian oil. China, which purchases about 90% of Iranian oil, said it would take necessary measures to protect its interests if US economic pressure intensifies.
