Iran and Oman agree coordinates for proposed Strait of Hormuz shipping route
Iran says it and Oman have agreed geographic coordinates for a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, but major security and political conditions remain unresolved.
In short
- Iran says it and Oman have agreed geographic coordinates for a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, but major security and political conditions remain unresolved.
Iran and Oman have agreed the geographic coordinates of a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on August 5, 2026, as regional diplomacy sought to restore traffic through the strategic waterway.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the two countries were finalizing a joint announcement, provided no third party interfered. He cautioned that an agreement on coordinates would not by itself guarantee security in the strait.
The development is narrower than a full reopening agreement. Iranian state media said arrangements for vessel traffic were being negotiated between Tehran and Muscat and did not ensure that the waterway would reopen immediately. Iran has tied reopening to broader security conditions and changes in US conduct.
US officials said progress had been made and expressed hope that an agreement could be reached soon. Tehran, however, said it was negotiating with Oman rather than directly with Washington. The parties also remained divided over operational control and any fees associated with protecting commercial shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for global energy trade. Its disruption has contributed to higher oil and fuel prices, increasing the economic stakes of the negotiations. Until a final agreement is announced and implemented, shipping conditions and the route’s security remain uncertain.
