IRNA reported Iran deputy foreign minister Gharibabadi said Tehran and Muscat
are close to finalizing an agreement that would close the Strait of Hormuz’s two
existing commercial transit lanes — the northern lane under Iranian control and
the southern lane adjacent to Omani waters. Under the proposed passage regime,
parts of commercial vessels’ entry to and exit from the strait would transit
Iranian territorial waters. The arrangement is described as temporary and
expected to be usable for about 2–4 months. Gharibabadi denied reports of direct
US‑Iran negotiations but said Iran received US messages and that Washington
indicated readiness to resume commitments under a previously signed memorandum
of understanding.
