Iran says an agreement that could help reopen the Strait of Hormuz is nearing completion, but Tehran is demanding major concessions from the United States before allowing normal commercial shipping to resume through the critical waterway.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said an agreement with Oman establishing new shipping lanes is in its final stages. However, Iran says reopening the strait also depends on the U.S. meeting several demands, including lifting sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets and compensating Iran for damage from American attacks.
Tehran is also demanding an end to U.S. military threats and attacks against Iran and its regional allies, along with the removal of an American naval blockade.
The United States and Iran are not holding direct negotiations, although messages are being exchanged through intermediaries.
President Donald Trump described the situation as only a partial negotiation and said the U.S. is taking a less aggressive approach while watching economic conditions inside Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for oil and natural gas shipments, has been largely closed since Iran blocked the waterway in response to U.S. and Israeli attacks that began in February.
A U.S. official said Washington would lift its blockade of Iranian ports once an agreement restoring commercial shipping is announced, although American actions would depend on Iran fulfilling its commitments.
Tensions around the waterway remain high. The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of attacking a vessel affiliated with its state oil company Saturday. Iran did not immediately respond to the accusation.
Elsewhere in the region, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen have stepped up attacks on shipping and Saudi targets. The Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery Sunday. Saudi officials confirmed a fire was extinguished without injuries but did not identify its cause.
Source: Reuters