Iran and Oman Near Agreement to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid US Sanctions Relief and Regional Tensions

Following the US removal of sanctions on two aircraft and three airlines linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Iran and Oman have reportedly finalized a draft agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route. Sources in the Gulf told Reuters that a concession has effectively been made regarding control over the strait, though details on the exact nature of this control remain unresolved. The draft awaits final approval from Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whose cooperation has been described as "very difficult" by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

The potential deal, characterized as a temporary solution, would allow ships to enter the Persian Gulf via an Iran-controlled route and exit through an Oman-controlled path, with transit fees imposed on vessels. This arrangement aims to pave the way for renewed negotiations between Iran and the US on the nuclear program. The talks are officially between Iran and Oman but involve US participation, with the Revolutionary Guard Corps expected to give final consent.

Amid ongoing fears of renewed conflict, Iran has warned Gulf states that any renewed US strikes on its territory would provoke retaliatory attacks on critical energy infrastructure across the region. This warning followed a US threat by President Donald Trump to target Iranian energy facilities, which was later retracted after Saudi pressure. Trump has insisted that an agreement to reopen the strait is imminent, possibly by Friday, though no official announcement has been made.

Iranian officials have indicated only minor issues remain before a deal can be reached, emphasizing that any closure or reopening of the strait depends on US actions. The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed that geographic features of the strait's transit routes have been agreed upon with Oman, but cautioned that the agreement does not guarantee safety in the strait.

Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen claimed a ballistic missile attack on the Saudi oil tanker Daisy in the Gulf of Aden, forcing it to alter course. This attack was framed as enforcing a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, reflecting the broader regional tensions linked to the strait's status and Iran's strategic leverage.

Summary: Iran and Oman have prepared a draft agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, pending approval from Iran's Supreme Leader, amid US sanctions relief and regional security concerns. The deal would allow controlled transit through the strait, with fees imposed, and aims to facilitate renewed Iran-US nuclear talks. Iran has warned of retaliatory strikes if attacked again, while tensions remain high with ongoing regional conflicts including Houthi missile attacks on Saudi vessels.