Nournews: As speculation continues over the future of the Strait of Hormuz and the framework for managing maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, a source close to the negotiating team outlined the latest developments in the consultations between Tehran and Muscat. The source stressed that discussions on the future arrangements for the Strait are being conducted exclusively between Iran and Oman, and that no negotiations have taken place with the United States.

Rejecting claims about Washington's role in the talks, the source said the negotiation framework has, from the outset, been based on direct engagement between Iran and Oman. The United States, the source argued, has not only been absent from the process but has also sought over recent months to obstruct progress toward an agreement through its actions and policy positions.

According to the source, the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently maintained since the beginning of the negotiations that the southern shipping route established in the Strait of Hormuz following the United States' failure to honor its commitments under the post-war ceasefire understanding lacks legal legitimacy and cannot replace the previous arrangements. From Tehran's perspective, any attempt to formalize this route would constitute an infringement on Iran's sovereign rights and would be met with firm opposition.

The source added that the ongoing talks between Tehran and Muscat are focused on establishing a mechanism that fully safeguards Iran's sovereign rights and security considerations while also addressing Oman's concerns. However, U.S. interference and the actions of certain regional actors—including the delivery of contradictory messages and pressure on relevant parties—have slowed the pace of the negotiations.

The source further stated that, had such interference not existed from the outset, Iran and Oman could have reached an agreement in a considerably shorter timeframe. Nevertheless, concerns remain that some external actors are attempting either to prolong the negotiations or to disrupt the path toward an agreement.

Concluding the remarks, the source emphasized that any future agreement between Iran and Oman alone would not automatically restore normal conditions in the Strait of Hormuz. From Tehran's standpoint, the root cause of the current crisis lies in the United States' breach of its commitments and its hostile actions against Iran. Therefore, the Strait can return to stable and normal conditions only if such actions cease, outstanding commitments are fully implemented, and the necessary security conditions are established.