Oman seeks to restore Strait of Hormuz shipping through Iran talks - Bloomberg
Oman expects positive statements in the coming days (Photo: Getty Images)
Omani and Iranian negotiators continue talks in an attempt to reach an agreement on restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The Omani side hopes for a positive outcome, according to Bloomberg.
According to sources, negotiations between the sides continue after a meeting over the weekend in Tehran. Two interlocutors said that one proposal is to open a so-called middle passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
They note that Omani negotiators are optimistic and hope to make a statement on progress in the coming days. At the same time, they do not guarantee that this will happen.
Sources also reported that sea mines, which were placed by Iran, are likely in the strait. Therefore, before vessels can regularly use the strait, it may have to be demined.
In particular, the UK, France, and other European countries have stated that they could lead the demining efforts, but only after it becomes safe to do so.
In addition, sources noted that a successful agreement would allow Iran and the US to resume negotiations on ending the war.
Bloomberg notes that since Friday, both sides have suspended clashes, and US President Donald Trump, for his part, said he wants to give diplomacy a chance.
But despite the lull, practically no vessels are passing through the Strait of Hormuz, at least not with their positioning devices turned on.
What else is important to know
On Monday, July 27, US President Donald Trump stated that the US does not rule out a positive development in negotiations with Iran, but at the same time Washington is preparing for an alternative scenario if an agreement cannot be reached.
According to Trump, Iran has proposed holding a new meeting both through intermediaries and directly.
However, Tehran denies such statements and says it did not ask to resume negotiations. Iran also continues to insist that the strait is under its control.
