If Iran and Oman reach an agreement on the passage of vessels…
If Iran and Oman reach an agreement on the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, the United States may ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports and lift the blockade against Iranian ports, reports Financial Times (FT) on Wednesday.
Consensus
- The United States may ease sanctions on Iranian oil exports and lift the naval blockade on Iranian ports if Iran and Oman agree on vessel passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
- The agreement between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz is still pending approval by Iran's highest leadership.
- Ships, including oil tankers, would initially be routed through Iranian waters and exit primarily through Omani waters to verify the area is free of mines.
- No fees will be charged during the temporary phase of the agreement.
- Iran intends to eventually charge service fees for passage through the Strait, a position rejected by Gulf states.
- Oman has proposed a model similar to the Malacca Strait, where non-commercial organizations make voluntary contributions for maritime safety and environmental protection.
- U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that Iran must open the Strait of Hormuz or face a 'very strong strike'.
Points of divergence
- The deal is likely to provoke criticism from Americans. — kommersant
- Diplomats hope the agreement will revive the short-lived memorandum of understanding signed between the U.S. and Iran on June 17. — interfax
- A temporary agreement may be announced on Wednesday, August 5. — interfax
Coverage (3 sources)
- FT: US will ease sanctions against Iran in deal with Oman over Strait of Hormuz — Коммерсантъ
- FT learns that US may lift blockade on Iran in case of its agreement with Oman on Hormuz — Интерфакс
- In Tehran, warned US about problems in case of extension of blockade of ports — Интерфакс