Kathmandu— Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi announced on Saturday that negotiations with Oman to establish a legal mechanism for managing maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz are nearing a conclusion. While an agreement on a new traffic route is close, Araghchi emphasized that the full reopening of the strategic waterway remains contingent upon conditions including compensation from the United States for alleged violations of a previous memorandum of understanding.

New Maritime Traffic Framework

The ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Muscat are focused on determining a new traffic separation scheme (TSS) for the Strait. Araghchi noted that the previous route used for ship traffic is no longer acceptable to the Islamic Republic, necessitating the establishment of a new arrangement.

Due to the technical and legal complexities involved in redesigning the maritime corridor, officials are currently discussing a temporary route. This interim measure is intended to serve as the foundation for a permanent maritime traffic route once a final arrangement is reached.

Disputes Over Previous Agreements

A central point of contention in the negotiations involves a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed in June. Araghchi accused the United States of violating the agreement, specifically noting that while maritime traffic had returned to 60 percent of normal levels within two weeks, Washington subsequently attempted to establish new routes through the Strait despite warnings from Tehran.

Araghchi stated that Iran has complied with the provisions of the memorandum, but characterized the U.S. attempts to undermine Iranian authority over the waterway as "absolutely unacceptable." He noted that under Clause 5 of the MoU, traffic conditions were expected to return to normal within a month.

Potential for Regional De-escalation

The diplomatic movement comes amid reports of progress that could restore disrupted oil exports. A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, indicated that an agreement between Iran and Oman could lead to the reopening of the strategic passage and the resumption of standard commercial oil shipments.

According to the official, once a deal is announced to restore commercial shipping without impediments, the United States will lift the blockade of Iranian ports. Securing control over the strategic passage is viewed as a significant stepping stone toward a broader peace agreement.

Military and naval officials from Iran and Oman have already conducted negotiations based on existing maritime maps to finalize the new route.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.