According to Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, a joint statement from Tehran and Muscat is currently under review and being finalized. He informed reporters on Wednesday via a Telegram post that negotiations have been “professional” and “progressive,” and a deal could be achieved “if certain third parties do not hinder this process.”
For several days, Iran and Oman have been in talks regarding a management plan for the Strait of Hormuz, a key point in the ongoing conflict between the US and the Islamic Republic. Baghaei refrained from mentioning any involvement by the US in his statement, only indicating that the closure of the strait resulted from attacks by Washington and Israel.
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In Los Angeles late Tuesday, US President Donald Trump claimed that an agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz is imminent. However, Iranian state TV downplayed the discussions’ outcome on Wednesday, citing a source familiar with the situation who stated that an agreement between Tehran and Muscat would not automatically lead to the immediate reopening of the strait.
This reopening would depend on a “change in US behavior,” according to the report.
Oil prices remained stable on Wednesday amid increasing indications that the Hormuz could reopen, potentially restoring millions of barrels per day of production affected by the prolonged conflict. Brent crude was slightly lower at $79 per barrel in London.
The various statements and reports regarding an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz follow months of stagnation between the US and Iran concerning the conclusion of the five-month war. Although fighting has currently paused, numerous issues persist, particularly Iran’s nuclear program, and there has been no agreement to initiate formal negotiations.
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