Iran says it is close to finalising an agreement with Oman on a new framework for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, but insists the strategic waterway will not reopen until the United States meets a number of conditions.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, said the proposed Iran-Oman arrangement covers new shipping routes, maritime security and a joint coordination mechanism, but stressed that implementation would require approval from Iran's senior leadership.
Tehran says Washington must end what it describes as a naval blockade on Iranian ports, address sanctions on its oil sector, resume negotiations over frozen Iranian assets and fulfil previous commitments on regional stability before the strait can fully reopen.
Iran also denied holding direct negotiations with the United States, saying its discussions are strictly with Oman.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important oil transit routes, carrying about one-fifth of global oil shipments before the conflict, and its reopening is seen as critical to easing disruptions in global energy markets.
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