Iran may gain control over the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz

A draft agreement to resume navigation through the Strait of Hormuz provides for the transfer to Iran of control over incoming traffic into the Persian Gulf. Outgoing vessels will follow a route controlled by Oman.

Sources familiar with the negotiations told Reuters reported.

This is a temporary arrangement lasting 60 days with the option of extension. It should ensure safe passage for commercial ships and give the parties time to prepare a permanent agreement. The final terms have not yet been approved and may change.

According to the sources, vessels entering the Persian Gulf will pass through Iranian territorial waters, while those exiting will proceed through the Omani part of the strait. Such an arrangement effectively grants Tehran control over one of the traffic directions along the strategic waterway.

The draft also provides for the demining of the central shipping lane. Work is expected to begin within 30 days, allowing for eventual restoration of two-way traffic without permanent division of lanes between Iran and Oman.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington is engaged in "very good discussions" with Iran. According to him, the outcome of the talks may become known soon. Meanwhile, the U.S. administration has previously spoken against granting any state the right to control passage through the strait or levy mandatory fees from ships.

Iran denies holding direct talks with the U.S. and asserts that it is only discussing traffic arrangements with Oman. Qatar, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are also acting as mediators.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea and is one of the key routes for global energy trade. Before the escalation of the conflict, approximately one-fifth of world oil and gas supplies passed through it. Movement restrictions have led to supply disruptions and rising fuel prices.