Iranian lawmakers are debating the wording of a proposed agreement with Oman over the management of the Strait of Hormuz, as US President Donald Trump said negotiations are progressing toward a possible deal.
Trump told reporters Thursday that talks were “moving along” but provided no further details on the status of the discussions.
Earlier this week, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said that Tehran and Muscat had reached an understanding “in principle,” while Iranian state television quoted a lawmaker as saying that the final text and details of the agreement would be announced “soon.”
However, some Iranian politicians are pushing for additional conditions, including proposals to restrict the passage of US and Israeli vessels through the strategic waterway, according to the semi-official Fars news agency. Other reported demands include compensation from countries considered hostile to Iran, restrictions on cargo linked to Israel, and a new fee system for services such as insurance and environmental costs.
It remains unclear whether Mojtaba Khamenei has approved the proposal, which Iranian officials have suggested is necessary before any final agreement can move forward.
A deal over the Strait of Hormuz has become a key issue for restoring energy flows and potentially opening the way for broader US-Iran negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. The strategic waterway is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high. Fars reported that Iranian naval forces had struck what it described as “hostile targets” near the entrance to the strait, citing an unnamed source.
The price of Brent crude oil remained around $82 per barrel after rising nearly 4% in the previous session amid uncertainty over the situation.
According to reports, mediators are concerned that Iranian negotiators may face pressure from hardline officials and may not be able to guarantee full compliance with any agreement. Iran has demanded greater recognition of its role in managing the waterway, while Washington has insisted on maintaining freedom of navigation.
The US has said any reopening of the strait should not involve approval requirements, permissions, tolls, or additional charges, while Tehran argues that a full reopening requires the lifting of what it calls an American maritime blockade.
Fars reported that the draft agreement could give Iran a role in managing vessel entry into Hormuz, with joint oversight of exits, and establish a “central corridor” for maritime traffic.
Despite Trump’s earlier threats of renewed military action if the waterway remains closed, he said Thursday that the United States is participating in negotiations but declined to confirm whether a final agreement had been reached.
The Strait of Hormuz remains partially restricted, with only limited cargo movements continuing through the area under special arrangements.
