Iran and Oman Reach Agreement on Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route

Key facts

• Iran and Oman have agreed on a specific route for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
• The two countries are finalising joint management arrangements for the waterway.
• Iran has controlled the strait since the conflict began on February 28.
• Iran denies US claims that it wants to reopen the route for all shipping.
• Iran warns the strait remains unsafe due to US naval blockades and aggressive actions.
• Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei confirmed the agreement on August 5.
• Any reopening of the strait would depend on the United States ending its naval blockade of Iran's ports.
• Before the war, the Strait of Hormuz carried around a fifth of the world's oil and LNG exports.
• Iran has imposed an effective blockade and insists ships use a route hugging the Iranian coast.
• Many vessels have instead used a southern route near Oman, occasionally coming under fire.
• Iran seeks to control the strait and charge tolls, a move fiercely opposed by the US.
• US President Donald Trump recently threatened to hit Iran 'very hard' but pulled back, hinting a deal was near.
• Iran's foreign ministry denied that negotiations with Washington were taking place.