Iran and Oman Reach Agreement on Strait of Hormuz Shipping Routes in Late August; Waterway Remains Closed

According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency citing informed sources, Iran and Oman reached an agreement in late August on new shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Under the accord, vessels entering the Persian Gulf will use routes located entirely within Iranian territorial waters, with the southern route previously demanded by the United States to remain open now closed. Inbound and outbound shipping lanes have been designated and will operate under Iranian coordination.

The informed source emphasized the agreement does not mean the Strait of Hormuz will reopen. Iran has submitted seven conditions for reopening the waterway to the United States through intermediaries. The strait will remain closed until these conditions are met and approved by Iran's highest-level institutions.