Strait of Hormuz: Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed it has settled on the coordinates of a new commercial shipping route through Hormuz with Oman, with a joint statement reportedly in final drafting stage. Sources told Reuters the proposed arrangement would hand Tehran control over inbound traffic entering the Gulf, described as one of the biggest concessions to Iran since the conflict began. Iranian officials, however, have pushed back on claims that a full deal is imminent.
DON'T MISS
Why the Strait Isn’t Actually Reopening Yet
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson made clear that an understanding with Oman does not by itself make the strait safe for passing vessels. Tehran says real security depends on the US lifting its naval blockade on Iranian ports and halting strikes on Iranian infrastructure. Houthi forces, meanwhile, continue targeting tankers linked to the blockade, having turned away dozens of ships in recent weeks.
Is the Broader US-Iran War Ending
The crisis traces back to February 28, when a US-Israeli air campaign and the killing of Iran’s supreme leader triggered Iranian retaliation across the Gulf, and has since involved a US naval blockade, an aerial campaign, and heavy shipping losses. A brief April ceasefire had reopened the strait before tensions flared again. The current Oman talks are a step toward de-escalation, but not confirmation that hostilities are over.
What This Means for India
India was among the countries Iran had earlier granted continued access to the strait, alongside China and Russia, even during the worst of the blockade. A durable reopening would ease pressure on India’s oil imports and shipping costs, both stretched by months of disruption. For now though, with Tehran tying real normalisation to US action.
