Iran Negotiates Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz with Oman, Denies Talks with US

Iran has announced it is not currently engaging in talks with the United States but is conducting advanced negotiations with Oman to establish a temporary and secure transit route through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials emphasized that the strait will not be reopened as long as American military attacks continue in the region. Ismail Bakaei, an Iranian official, explained that the new route being discussed with Oman would feature designated entry and exit corridors, aiming to address security concerns and protect Iran's interests.

Bakaei clarified that while negotiations with Oman are progressing, these alone are insufficient to reopen the strait if US "aggression" persists. The talks also cover halting all attacks in the area, including those by pro-Iranian armed groups in Iraq, and resuming uninterrupted Iranian oil exports. Middle Eastern countries acting as mediators plan to deepen their engagement with both Washington and Tehran in the coming days, encouraging both sides to return to the foundational principles of a memorandum of understanding signed on June 18.

Separately, Abbas Araghchi, an Iranian government official, reported progress in the negotiations with Oman during a government meeting, stating the talks are in their final stages but did not disclose further details or a timeline for announcement. The developments come amid ongoing regional tensions and US-Iran hostilities, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.