Kathmandu [Nepal], August 5 – The United States, Iran and Oman are in the final stages of an interim agreement to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, US news outlet Axios reported, citing two regional sources and a US official.
According to the report, Washington is expected to announce the agreement on Wednesday as part of efforts to reinforce a ceasefire and revive nuclear negotiations following the collapse of a 14-point memorandum of understanding reached between the United States and Iran last month.
The proposed arrangement would establish a 60-day framework for maritime traffic through the strategic waterway. During the period, inbound vessels would use the northern shipping lane within Iranian waters while outbound ships would travel through the southern route in Omani waters in coordination with Iran. The agreement reportedly includes a waiver of transit fees for all vessels.
The plan also calls for the removal of naval mines from the central shipping lane within 30 days paving the way for its long-term use under a permanent Iran-Oman arrangement.
Axios reported that Qatar, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia joined Oman in facilitating the talks while the White House remained directly involved. US special envoy Steve Witkoff has held multiple discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister بدر al-Busaidi in recent days, according to the report.
