Iranian authorities revealed that the maritime route agreement in the Strait of Hormuz with Oman is nearly finalized but stressed they will not open the strait until the United States meets Iran’s conditions.
Foreign news agencies reported on 8 Aug 2026 that Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, disclosed that Iran and Oman are close to reaching a temporary agreement to establish a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, after Iran rejected the previously used route and seeks control over the strait.
Iran emphasized that reaching an agreement with Oman alone is insufficient to open the Strait of Hormuz; other conditions must be met, such as the US paying compensation to Iran and ceasing its interference in regional negotiations.
Meanwhile, US officials expect an announcement soon on the agreement between Iran and Oman. The US is ready to lift its blockade of Iranian ports immediately once the strait officially reopens, but its further actions will depend on Iran’s adherence to the agreement.
Sources revealed that the draft agreement may grant Iran authority to control ships entering the Persian Gulf, marking a significant concession to Iran despite previous US assurances that it would not allow Iranian control over the strait.
Iran is leveraging the conflict by charging fees to oil tankers and attacking vessels that violate its rules, which has pushed global energy prices higher and worsened inflation worldwide.
Separately, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently disclosed that an ADNOC oil tanker, operated by the state-owned company, was struck by an Iranian missile in the Strait of Hormuz but no one was injured. This was the 15th ADNOC vessel attacked since the conflict erupted at the end of February, resulting in one death and 20 injuries.
Iranian media reported that multiple ships in the Strait of Hormuz were attacked, stating only that these vessels violated Iran’s orders without directly attributing the attacks to Iran.
Beyond the Strait of Hormuz, Yemen’s Houthi group, an Iranian ally, has escalated attacks on cargo ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, raising concerns about crude oil transportation safety.
Follow international news:https://www.thairath.co.th/news/foreign
Source:cna