US Says Iran and Oman Make Progress Toward Restoring Commercial Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz

The United States says Iran and Oman are making progress in negotiations aimed at restoring commercial shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, raising hopes that a partial reopening of the waterway could help ease disruptions to global energy markets and support wider efforts to end the US-Iran conflict.

A US official said Washington expects an agreement soon, although no final deal or formal announcement has yet been confirmed. The proposed arrangement would allow normal commercial and oil traffic to resume through the Strait, one of the world's most important maritime routes for energy shipments.

Under the proposed framework, the United States would reportedly lift its blockade of Iranian ports once an agreement is formally announced and Iran allows commercial vessels to pass through the Strait without obstruction. Washington has indicated that its actions would remain performance-based, meaning the US response would depend on whether Tehran fulfils the commitments included in the agreement.

The negotiations are being facilitated by Oman, which has played a key role in diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States. According to reports, Iranian and Omani officials have discussed the coordinates of designated shipping routes, with the talks focusing on ensuring safe passage for vessels entering and leaving the Strait.

The proposed arrangement could involve a different system for controlling maritime traffic rather than an immediate return to the conditions that existed before the conflict. Iran has reportedly indicated that it could retain control over inbound commercial traffic, while Oman would oversee or manage vessels travelling outbound.

Such an arrangement would represent a significant development because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. Large volumes of crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas pass through the waterway every day, meaning prolonged disruption can quickly affect international oil prices, shipping costs, and energy security.

The reopening of commercial routes could therefore provide immediate relief to global energy markets. Restoring predictable shipping would allow oil producers, traders, shipping companies, and importers to resume normal operations while reducing the risk of further supply disruptions.

However, uncertainty remains because no final agreement has been announced. The proposed deal also appears to depend heavily on compliance from both sides. Washington's performance-based approach means that any failure by Iran to meet its commitments could trigger a renewed US response.

The talks come amid broader efforts to bring the US-Iran conflict to an end. The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as one of the most contentious issues in the confrontation, with Washington demanding freedom of navigation and Tehran seeking guarantees over its ports and maritime security.

Oman's involvement is particularly significant because the country has historically served as a diplomatic channel between Iran and Western governments. Its role in negotiating shipping arrangements could provide both sides with a mechanism to reduce tensions without requiring an immediate resolution of every broader political and security dispute.

If an agreement is reached and commercial vessels are able to resume regular passage, it could mark one of the first major signs of de-escalation in the conflict. It could also create momentum for further negotiations on the wider issues separating Washington and Tehran.

For now, however, the proposed arrangement remains under negotiation. Iran, Oman, and the United States have yet to confirm a final agreement, and the effectiveness of any deal will ultimately depend on whether commercial shipping can safely and consistently resume through the Strait of Hormuz.