Kathmandu— Iran and Oman have agreed to a temporary maritime route through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced Tuesday. The move comes after months of escalating conflict stemming from attacks on Iranian targets in February, which effectively closed the strait to most shipping and sent global energy markets into turmoil. While active warfare has paused, replaced by economic pressure, Iran insists it will only negotiate directly with Oman regarding the waterway’s future, as passage remains risky and a lasting peace plan elusive.

Crisis in the Strait of Hormuz

Prior to the recent conflict, over 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz – the only sea route connecting the Gulf to the open ocean. Approximately 130 ships traversed the strait daily, with Brent crude oil trading around $66 a barrel. Following attacks on Tehran in early March, Iran closed the strait, allowing passage only to vessels it deemed “friendly,” and issued a new route map prioritizing proximity to its coast and designating portions of Omani waters as restricted. The US responded with a naval blockade aimed at crippling Iran’s fuel exports, exacerbating global energy shortages and driving crude prices above $100 per barrel, peaking at nearly $120 in March.

Failed Ceasefire and Ongoing Tensions

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed on June 17th aimed to establish a ceasefire for up to 60 days, with Iran agreeing to keep the strait open. However, disagreements over specific routes – a southern course favored by Oman and the US, and a northern one approved by Iran – fractured the waterway into two disputed paths. Diplomatic efforts toward a broader peace deal have stalled, leaving passage through the strait high risk. Just Tuesday, an oil tanker was disabled near Oman’s Ash Shishah, close to the strait's entrance.

Details of the New Route

The agreed-upon transit corridor will be 7 miles (11.3km) wide, with entry beginning in Iranian territorial waters and a portion of the exit also within Iran’s waters, according to Gharibabadi. Key details remain unclear, including precise coordinates, safe passage start dates, and revenue generation mechanisms. Operational protocols, such as vessel or flag restrictions, are also yet to be determined.

Iran's Conditions for Full Reopening

Gharibabadi emphasized that the agreement with Oman establishes only a temporary route and does not signify full reopening of the strait. He stated that Iran requires the US to fulfill commitments outlined in the June MoU, including sanctions relief and the release of frozen Iranian assets, before resuming peace talks. Gharibabadi urged countries to resist US pressure regarding sanctions, accusing Washington of miscalculating its ability to enforce them on neighboring nations.

US Response and Regional Implications

Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it “gets in the way” of a peace deal with Iran, echoing similar threats made in May. The US and Oman share a long-standing partnership, but this agreement between Iran and Oman challenges Washington’s demand that Iran relinquish control of the strait. Experts suggest the arrangement could formalize Iranian influence over the waterway, demonstrating the limits of US power in the region.

Technical talks are planned to develop a long-term arrangement for managing the Strait of Hormuz, including information sharing and navigational security services. The situation remains fluid as negotiations continue and regional tensions persist.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.