Last updated: August 27, 2026 · Published: August 25, 2026
Iran and Oman have agreed on a framework to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz — the narrow waterway carrying about a fifth of the world’s oil and gas exports — after it was largely closed to shipping since the war in Iran began in late February. But full reopening still hinges on US sanctions.
What was agreed
Iran and Oman announced the framework on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, in a joint statement after Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr al-Busaidi met his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Tehran. It covers a temporary joint navigation corridor and a shared project to clear the strait of mines.
“The proposed framework includes the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines,” the two countries said. Inbound traffic from the Gulf of Oman into the Persian Gulf would pass through Iranian territory, while outbound traffic would run partly through Iranian waters and partly through Omani waters. The governments have previously suggested the waterway could operate under a toll system.
Technical negotiations will continue on a permanent corridor, an information-sharing and traffic-management mechanism, and navigational and security services.
Tehran’s conditions for a full reopening
Iranian officials made clear the deal does not mean shipping returns to normal right away. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state TV that talks would run over the next couple of months to reach an understanding on a new permanent and sustainable route. Tehran insists the strait will only fully reopen once the US lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports, drops sanctions barring Iran from selling oil at market prices, and unfreezes its assets abroad.
President Trump, for his part, announced that “every square inch” of the strait has been de-mined and is being watched by the US Space Force, warning of a “Zero Tolerance” policy on mine placement.
Why the strait matters
The Strait of Hormuz, between Iran and Oman, normally handles around 20% of the world’s oil supply and liquefied natural gas exports. Before the war, more than 130 ships passed through every day. Traffic remains far below those levels, keeping global energy markets on edge for months.
The waterway became a flashpoint after the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, 2026, and Tehran responded with a blockade that Washington answered with its own naval measures. Mediation continues in parallel — Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir and Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Iranian officials in Tehran this week, with Naqvi writing on X that “significant progress” was made.
Timeline
| February 28, 2026 | US and Israel attack Iran; Tehran responds with a blockade of the strait. |
| August 25, 2026 | Iran and Oman announce the temporary reopening framework after talks in Tehran. |
| Next 2 months | Negotiations on a permanent corridor and full reopening, conditional on US sanctions relief. |
Watch: What the videos show
Iran and Oman Near Deal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid US Tensions
Geographic coordinates for a shipping route through the strait have already been agreed, and joint management is still being worked out, as shown in the Al Jazeera English broadcast. President Trump has said Washington is talking to Iran and warned it is Tehran’s “last chance” to make a deal, while Iranian officials say they are not talking directly to the US. Only two ships passed through the strait on the day the deal was announced.
How the closure reshaped global shipping
The second report details the months of disruption: traffic at a fraction of pre-war levels, energy prices under pressure, and the slow return of confidence as the corridor framework takes shape.
What is confirmed vs speculation
| Confirmed | Not confirmed |
| Joint statement announced the framework on August 25 | A permanent route — negotiations are only beginning |
| Framework covers a temporary corridor and joint mine-clearing | That shipping will return to normal soon — Iran says sanctions must be lifted first |
| The strait normally carries ~20% of world oil/LNG exports; 130+ ships/day pre-war | Trump’s claim that every square inch has been de-mined |
| US position: “Zero Tolerance” policy, Space Force monitoring | New York Post report that Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it “gets in the way” |
Frequently asked questions
Why did Iran close the Strait of Hormuz?
The strait became a flashpoint after the US and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, 2026. Tehran responded with a blockade, which Washington answered with its own naval measures, largely closing the waterway to shipping.
What did Iran and Oman agree?
On August 25, 2026, the two countries announced a framework for a temporary joint navigation corridor and a joint mine-clearing project, following ministerial talks in Tehran.
When will the strait fully reopen?
There is no date. Iran says full reopening depends on the US lifting its naval blockade, dropping oil sanctions and unfreezing Iranian assets — conditions Washington has not accepted.
How much oil passes through Hormuz?
Normally about 20% of the world’s oil supply and LNG exports, with more than 130 ships a day before the war. Traffic remains far below those levels.
What does the US say?
President Trump says the strait has been de-mined and is monitored by the US Space Force under a “Zero Tolerance” policy, and has warned Iran it is “last chance” to make a deal.
What happens next?
Technical negotiations on a permanent corridor and traffic management are due to run over the next couple of months, with Pakistan’s mediation continuing in parallel.
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Sources: Joint statement (Iran–Oman), Al Jazeera English, The New York Post, state media reports
