Iran, Oman Near Hormuz Shipping Deal

Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on the geographical parameters of a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai said a joint statement between the two countries is in the final stages of drafting, provided third parties do not interfere in the process.

Baghai stressed that any agreement would not, by itself, guarantee security in the strategic waterway.

Reuters, citing a senior Iranian source and two regional officials, reported that the proposed arrangement could give Iran control over ships entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, in one of the biggest concessions yet to Iran.

Despite the apparent progress, the sources said important details still had to be agreed. They also pushed back against US President Donald Trump's assertion that a deal to reopen the strait is imminent.

(Reuters, mja)