Iran and Oman Reach Understanding on Coordinates for Hormuz Shipping Route
Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on the geographic coordinates for a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran tensions, which has been largely closed since late February due to the ongoing war between the US and Iran. [3][4][5]
Iran and Oman Agree on Hormuz Shipping Route
Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on the geographic coordinates for a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. [3][4][5] Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that a joint announcement is being finalized provided third parties do not interfere. [3][4][5] Baghaei described the negotiations as professional and progressing. [3] The two countries have discussed the Strait of Hormuz for several days. [3] A common statement from the two countries is soon ready according to the spokesperson. [3] The negotiations between the two countries are professional and going forward, and an agreement will be reached if third parties do not prevent the process. [3][4][5]
Strait Remains Closed Since US-Israel Strikes
The Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed since late February due to the ongoing war between the US and Iran. [3] The strait has been nearly closed since the US and Israel attacked Iran at the start of March. [3] The Strait of Hormuz is very important for international energy supply. [3] Around 20 percent of the world's oil consumption is transported through the strait. [3] Countries that export oil through the gulf account for around 30 percent of world production. [3] The closure has caused an energy crisis in Asia, where several Asian countries have had to limit consumption and introduce restrictive measures. [3] The closure also led to a crisis meeting at the International Energy Agency, which chose to open some of the reserves in Europe. [3]
Trump Signals Imminent Deal
US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz is near. [3] Oil prices have reacted to the optimism. [3] Oil prices have fallen somewhat in recent days due to optimism linked to an agreement. [3] Today the oil price has increased somewhat and is at 79.6 dollars. [3] The understanding between Iran and Oman represents a step in the right direction to open the strait for shipping traffic. [3]
Details of the Proposed 60-Day Arrangement
Sources to Axios have previously reported that the agreement should last 60 days and will involve the following. [3] All traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and into the Persian Gulf shall follow the northern lane through Iranian waters. [3] All outgoing ship traffic through the strait and further out into the Arabian Sea shall follow the southern lane through Omani waters, coordinated with Iran. [3] There shall be no toll or fees for 60 days. [3] The parties shall within 30 days cooperate to remove sea mines from the lane that goes in the middle of the strait. [3] Iran and Oman are agreed on the way forward for the Strait of Hormuz according to Bloomberg. [3]
US Lifts Sanctions on Fly Baghdad
The US has lifted sanctions on the Iraqi airline Fly Baghdad, which was previously linked to Iran's IRGC. [1] This decision stands as a separate development from the shipping route talks.
US Public Support for Iran War at Low
US public support for the Iran war has decreased to the lowest level since the start of the conflict five months ago. [2] Only one third of the country's citizens support the military operation, according to a survey by Reuters news agency and Ipsos institute. [2] In addition, 69 percent of respondents believe that President Donald Trump has not clearly explained the goals of the intervention. [2] Overall approval for Trump, according to a weekend survey, increased by three percentage points to 37 percent. [2] The White House stated that it does not attach importance to this survey. [2] Trump's decisions will not depend on fluctuating poll results, said spokeswoman Olivia Wales. [2] The most important goal remains to prevent Iran from producing a nuclear weapon. [2] The war started on February 28 with joint US and Israeli attacks against Iran. [2] Since then, US public support for the war has not reached 40 percent. [2] Unpopular foreign policy weighs on Trump and his Republicans ahead of the November congressional elections, where they will have to defend a narrow majority in both chambers. [2] So far in the war, 18 US soldiers and thousands of people in Iran and Lebanon have been killed. [2] Trump during the 2024 election campaign promised that the US would not get involved in long conflicts. [2] At first he thought the war in Iran would last 4–5 weeks. [2]
What to watch next: A joint announcement from Iran and Oman on the shipping route is being finalized provided third parties do not interfere, while the proposed 60-day arrangement includes coordinated traffic lanes and mine clearance within 30 days.
