Proposed Oman-Iran deal includes 60-day interim arrangement for Strait of Hormuz

WEB DESK: A proposed agreement between Oman and Iran could introduce a 60-day temporary arrangement for the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports in US media.

The reports said the arrangement, aimed at facilitating maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, could also be extended beyond the initial 60-day period.

Under the proposed framework, vessels heading towards the Gulf would use the northern shipping lane of the Strait of Hormuz, while ships travelling towards the Arabian Sea would pass through the southern lane in Omani waters.

The US media reports claimed that no tolls or transit fees would be imposed during the temporary arrangement. The parties would also clear sea mines from the central lane of the strait within 30 days.

Once the mine-clearing process is completed, the Strait of Hormuz would operate under the terms of a permanent agreement, according to the reports.

The negotiations reportedly involved Qatari, Pakistani, and Saudi officials as mediators, while multiple contacts took place between US envoy Steve Witkoff and the foreign ministers of Iran and Oman.

The reports further claimed that Iran’s leadership had approved the proposed agreement on Tuesday. The approval reportedly came after Iran’s foreign minister reached an understanding, with final endorsement required from the relevant council and Supreme Leader.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said the potential transit route could remain operational for two to four months.