Middle East diplomats: Progress made on temporary Strait of Hormuz shipping deal

Two Middle Eastern diplomats reported progress on a temporary shipping arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz, though no final agreement has been reached. Iran proposed a plan with one-direction traffic through its waters, rejecting an Omani equal-division proposal. Talks continue, focusing on a central route between Omani and Iranian waters.

Two Middle Eastern diplomats reported Tuesday that progress has been made in negotiations for a temporary shipping arrangement through the Strait of Hormuz, though no final agreement has been reached. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated on state television that Tehran proposed a plan under which one direction of traffic would pass through Iranian waters, with part of the opposite route also in Iranian waters. Iran rejected an Omani proposal for equal division of transit routes, citing unresolved security concerns. Oman had earlier proposed joint regional management with voluntary fees from shipping firms. The emerging proposal, according to the diplomats, focuses on a temporary central shipping route between Omani and Iranian territorial waters. Talks remain ongoing, with meaningful progress reported. The Wall Street Journal noted negotiations are narrowly focused on shipping, not a full resolution, with mediators hoping a temporary agreement could lead to broader talks. Disagreements persist on transit fees. The report comes as US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington.