Iran and Oman agree to 60-day temporary reopening of strategic Strait of Hormuz

Muscat and Tehran have reportedly struck a bilateral understanding aimed at restoring commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for a 60-day window. Local media reports indicate the proposed agreement is awaiting final endorsement from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and could be formally declared within days.

Under the negotiated terms, ships traversing the vital maritime transit hub will follow a split traffic scheme – vessels entering the waterway will navigate via routes adjacent to the Iranian coast, while outbound ships will pass along Oman's coastline. Officials noted that transit fees or service surcharges will not be applied to passing vessels, and regional partners are expected to assist in joint technical operations and demining efforts.

Once the protocol receives formal approval, Tehran and Washington are expected to revert to their established peace memorandum of understanding (MoU) to refine a broader framework ensuring long-term safe passage for global shipping.

Iran had restricted maritime access through the narrow channel on February 28, blocking passage to merchant vessels linked to Israel and the United States after those nations carried out joint military strikes on targets inside Iranian territory.

While the United States and Iran signed an MoU in June targeting a comprehensive cessation of hostilities, including fronts in Lebanon, subsequent regional flare-ups have cast doubt over the remaining rounds of bilateral negotiations intended to solidify a final peace settlement.