How viable is the potential Iran-Oman Hormuz shipping deal?
Iran says a shipping accord with Oman is in its final stages, but analysts warn sanctions, security concerns and rival US-Iran goals could limit its
Iran says a shipping accord with Oman is in its final stages, but analysts warn sanctions, security concerns and rival US-Iran goals could limit its impact. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, said this week that an agreement with Oman, which lies on the other side of the Strait of Hormuz, is in the "final stage" of review and drafting — provided that no external party interfered in the process. The two Persian Gulf states have agreed on the geographical coordinates of a navigation route through the strait, Baghaei was quoted as saying by state news agency IRNA on Wednesday evening. Baghaei told journalists that even if an understanding was reached, it would not mean that the strait had become safe for all passing vessels. "The factors making the Strait of Hormuz insecure still exist on the part of the United States, particularly the naval blockade and other aggressive and threatening actions against Iran and its interests," he said. What the agreement could look like Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also said an agreement on new shipping arrangements was nearing completion, IRNA reported. Gharibabadi stressed that the proposed arrangement would not amount to a full reopening of the strait, but would instead establish a new model for maritime traffic.
According to IRNA, Gharibabadi said the route would be temporary and could remain open for between two and four months. Shipowners hope Strait of Hormuz will reopen soon To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Tehran said that any reopening of the strait must be accompanied by an end to the US blockade of Iranian ports. Reports cited by Agence France-Presse (AFP) said Iran was planning to block US and Israeli ships from the waterway as part of a deal with Oman. Iran also argued that vessels passing through the strait should pay fees for safe passage. Oman did not support unilateral Iranian control of the waterway. Obstacles and skepticism A proposed deal between Iran and Oman to give Tehran control over ships entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz is not easily workable because of US sanctions and restrictive insurance clauses on payments, according to industry sources cited by Reuters on Friday. However, analysts cautioned that any deal on the reopening of the strait should be viewed as a tactical pause rather than a durable settlement. Security analyst Shukriya Bradost told DW such a pause could benefit Washington more than Tehran.
The BriefWire