Iran, Oman 60-day Hormuz reopening deal announcement imminent: Sources
Iran and Oman have agreed on a framework for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a senior source said on Thursday, amid a lull in the fighting.
An announcement could be made within days, the source said. However, the agreement reached between Tehran and Muscat still requires approval from Iran’s Supreme National Security Council.
The proposed Hormuz agreement would last 60 days with an aim to resume maritime traffic, the source said, stressing that the 60-day deal sought to break stalemate and start technical talks.
As per the source, vessels entering the Strait of Hormuz would use the shipping lane closest to Iran while vessels leaving the strait would use the shipping lane closest to Oman.
As for the mine clearance, regional sides could take part in the process procedures, the source notes.
US-Iran talks
The source also said that indirect talks were taking place between Washington and Tehran through mediators, adding that the talks have entered their final stages.
The source revealed that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently held two phone calls with Pakistan’s army chief Asmi Munir and that Araghchi was expected to visit Islamabad this weekend or early next week.
Informing MBS
Pakistani officials were expected to brief Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on the latest developments in the negotiations between the US and Iran, the source noted.
Pakistan has acted as a mediatior in the conflict that has spilled over to the Gulf states due to Iranian attacks.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Munir will visit Saudi Arabia on August 6-8, the nation’s foreign office said on Thursday.
A high-level delegation will accompany both officials, the statement added, noting that Sharif is expected to meet with MBS.
