US media: Iran and Oman reach a temporary framework agreement without tolls

Odaily News Two Middle Eastern diplomats familiar with the negotiations said Oman has agreed to a framework agreement with Iran to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian government official said the agreement would establish new shipping routes by allowing merchant vessels to enter the Persian Gulf via Iranian-controlled routes and exit via Omani-controlled routes. According to the Iranian official, the agreement does not include tolls for commercial ships seeking safe passage through the waterway. The proposal is an "interim agreement" that would lay the groundwork for Washington and Tehran to announce a new ceasefire and resume nuclear negotiations.

According to Iranian officials, the UN International Maritime Organization and the United States will participate in the formal announcement of the agreement. A Gulf state government official said the arrangement has been endorsed by members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Officials have not yet disclosed when the agreement will be announced. However, whether the U.S. will support the strait management agreement will depend on the final details. A U.S. official said Washington only supports an interim agreement to reopen the strait without barriers or tolls. (MS NOW)