Iran and Oman Have Moved Closer to Reaching Agreements on the Strait of Hormuz — Bloomberg
As of July 27, Iran and Oman are continuing negotiations on the possible resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s key maritime routes for the transport of energy resources. Omani mediators expect progress in the talks in the coming days, but full resumption of shipping can only occur after the necessary mine-clearing operations in the waterway are completed.
The talks are continuing following a meeting that took place last weekend in Tehran. According to sources speaking to Bloomberg, one of the key proposals is to open the so-called “middle passage” through the Strait of Hormuz for civilian shipping.
Omani negotiators are optimistic and expect to be able to report positive results from the talks in the coming days. At the same time, sources emphasize that no final agreements have been reached yet.
One of the main obstacles to resuming shipping traffic remains sea mines, which, according to the agency’s sources, were likely laid by Iran. That is why large-scale mine clearance of the waters may be necessary before the route can be fully reopened.
As Bloomberg notes, the United Kingdom, France, and a number of other European countries have already expressed their readiness to lead the demining efforts, but only once the security situation allows for it.
According to sources, reaching agreements regarding the Strait of Hormuz could also pave the way for the resumption of negotiations between Iran and the U.S. aimed at ending the war.
At the same time, despite the relative lull, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly restricted. Bloomberg reports that most vessels either avoid this stretch of water entirely or sail with their automatic identification systems turned off.
Iran previously stated that it had not asked the U.S. to resume negotiations and that it continues to control the Strait of Hormuz. These statements came after U.S. President Donald Trump suspended the campaign of airstrikes against Iran.
The U.S. postponed a planned large-scale military operation against Iran due to a shortage of interceptor missiles for the Patriot air defense systems.
The United Kingdom commented on Iran’s threats.
Oil prices fell by more than 6% following the pause in hostilities between the U.S. and Iran — Reuters
