Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, but a comprehensive deal governing traffic through the strategically vital waterway remains unfinished, with technical discussions still ongoing. The development marks a notable step in bilateral maritime diplomacy — though its practical impact on global oil flows is limited for now.

What Has Been Agreed

The two coastal nations have settled on a 'shipping map' for vessels transiting the strait, according to material released by Iranian authorities. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed that negotiations had progressed smoothly over the past three weeks, but stressed that a joint statement between the two countries was still being finalised.

'There are still some matters where discussions continue, particularly regarding the joint statement that is to be released by Iran and Oman,' Baghaei said. 'Exchanges are ongoing, and whenever it is finalised, information will certainly be provided,' he added.

What Remains Unresolved

The agreed shipping routes do not amount to an immediate resumption of normal commercial traffic through the strait. Iranian authorities have not disclosed whether vessels would be charged transit fees or what security arrangements would apply. Further technical talks are scheduled to address these outstanding details.

The proposed framework is designed to ensure safe passage for ships while preserving the sovereignty and sovereign rights of both nations. Notably, the arrangement was negotiated independently by Iran and Oman — the United States was not party to the discussions.

Reopening the Strait: Iran's Conditions

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made clear that reopening the waterway to full commercial traffic is a separate matter entirely. 'It is a separate issue. It depends on fulfilling other conditions that the US must abide by for it to take place,' Araghchi said.

Iran has remained in contact with mediators carrying messages between Tehran and Washington, but Araghchi was emphatic that these exchanges do not constitute negotiations. 'This does not constitute negotiation. We have not yet made a decision to resume negotiations with the US,' he stated.

Trump's Territorial Claim

The diplomatic progress comes against a volatile backdrop. US President Donald Trump declared on Friday that the United States would claim the Strait of Hormuz as American territory, framing it in the context of what he described as a near-concluded military conflict with Iran. 'After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon, I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,' Trump said.

The strait is a critical artery for global petroleum and gas supplies, and the nearly half-year-long conflict between the US and Iran has, according to reports, significantly disrupted those flows. Trump's claim has no precedent in international maritime law and has not been recognised by any other state.

Strategic Significance

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most consequential chokepoints, through which a significant share of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes. Any agreement governing its operation carries enormous implications for energy markets, regional security, and international shipping. This is the first reported bilateral framework between Iran and Oman specifically addressing transit routes since tensions in the waterway escalated sharply. How quickly — and whether — the broader deal is concluded will be closely watched by energy markets and regional powers alike.