Washington, DC – The United States, Iran, and Oman are nearing a preliminary agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, according to Axios. Washington is expected to formally announce the agreement on Wednesday, August 5. The report states that the plan has met key political requirements. It has received approval from Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, on Tuesday.
Temporary mechanism for 60 days
Axios, citing two regional sources and a US official, reported that the agreement under consideration includes the establishment of a temporary 60-day mechanism between Oman and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. Furthermore, there is a possibility of extending it later based on developments on the ground and the political situation. The two regional sources told US media outlets that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi approved the terms of the agreement over the weekend (Saturday and Sunday). The formal approval process by Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei was then completed on Tuesday.
Refusal of direct negotiations with Washington
Despite the notable progress made in the trilateral negotiations between Washington, Tehran, and Muscat, Iranian officials continued to emphasize their categorical rejection of any direct talks with the United States. They stressed that the ongoing negotiations concerning arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz were exclusively and directly limited to “two neighboring countries,” namely Iran and the Sultanate of Oman. This stance was an attempt to separate Oman’s diplomatic role from its indirect engagement with the United States.
This anticipated diplomatic development comes at a time of heightened tensions in the region and intensive efforts to defuse the crisis and restore normal maritime traffic. This is taking place in one of the most vital waterways for the sustainability of global energy supplies. Moreover, there is international anticipation of official announcements regarding the details of the temporary mechanism for regulating shipping and reopening the strait without further obstacles.
