Iran Says Hormuz Deal Awaits Final Approval
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Iranian state media say Tehran and Muscat have broadly agreed a framework on the Strait of Hormuz and are waiting for final approval at a higher level. A US official said the Iran-Oman talks are making progress and that Washington expects an agreement soon, with the maritime blockade on Iran to be lifted after the deal is formally announced and commercial shipping can move freely again. At the same time, reports from Iranian state media cited hardline demands that go far beyond reopening the waterway, underscoring how fragile the negotiations remain. The draft under review reportedly involves Omani mediation and a temporary commercial shipping lane through the strait.
Key Points
- Iran's state media reported that Iran and Oman have basically reached a framework agreement on the Strait of Hormuz, pending final approval by higher authorities.
- A US official told Reuters that talks are advancing and Washington expects a deal soon, but action will depend on Iran fulfilling its commitments.
- According to IRNA, secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr said the US must meet sweeping preconditions before Iran fully reopens the strait.
- Those demands include ending wars with Iran and allied groups, lifting sanctions, unfreezing assets, paying compensation, and withdrawing US forces from the Middle East.
- US Central Command said its renewed maritime blockade since mid-last month diverted 51 vessels and left two ships without power.
Why It Matters
Any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would matter directly to Hong Kong readers because the waterway is a critical artery for global energy and trade flows, and prolonged disruption can quickly feed into shipping costs and market volatility. The gap between Washington's conditional optimism and Tehran hardliners' maximalist demands suggests the route may remain vulnerable even if a framework is approved.