Oman reportedly agrees to framework with Iran to temporarily reopen Strait of Hormuz

MS NOW reported that, according to two Middle Eastern diplomats familiar with the talks, Oman has agreed to a framework with Iran aimed at temporarily reopening the Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian government official said the plan would create a new shipping corridor that allows commercial vessels to enter the Persian Gulf through routes controlled by Iran and leave through routes controlled by Oman. The proposal does not include transit fees for merchant ships seeking safe passage through the waterway. The report described the arrangement as a temporary agreement that would lay the groundwork for Washington and Tehran to announce a new ceasefire and restart nuclear negotiations. An Iranian official said the International Maritime Organization of the United Nations and the United States would take part in the formal announcement of the deal. A Gulf state government official added that the arrangement has been accepted by member states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Officials have not disclosed when the agreement may be announced, and one U.S. official said Washington would only back a temporary reopening of the strait if access remains unobstructed and free of charges.