HighLights
  1. US claims southern Strait of Hormuz route open.
  2. Iran rejects US involvement in navigation agreement talks.
  3. Negotiations with Oman aim for new maritime framework.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important shipping routes, has remained at the centre of tensions between Iran and the United States. While the ongoing disruptions to maritime traffic have raised fears about global energy supplies, both sides continue to make competing claims over navigation.

US Says Southern Route 'Free And Open'

The US on Wednesday stated that the southern route through the Strait of Hormuz remains free, open and safe for all commercial vessels, despite "unwarranted Iranian aggression." A statement by the US Central Command (CENTCOM), noted that American forces have helped more than 1,000 vessels safely pass through the strategic waterway over the past three months.

In a post on X, US CENTCOM said, "The southern route through the Strait of Hormuz remains free and open for all commercial vessels seeking to transit the international waterway. Over the past three months, U.S. forces have assisted more than 1,000 vessels in successfully transiting the strait despite unwarranted Iranian aggression, and these transits continue today." Notably, the southern shipping route passes through Omani territorial waters, unlike the northern route, which is closer to Iran.

Earlier on Tuesday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that there could soon be an agreement to reopen the Strait. Speaking to CNBC, Bessent said, “We are in talks with the Iranians. There is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the Strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict.”

Iran Rejects US' Claims

However, Iran has rejected Washington’s claim that the Strait could reopen within days through a new agreement. According to Iran's state-backed Press TV, Tehran said the ongoing negotiations are being held only with Oman and the US is not included. Iranian officials said the talks are focused on creating a new maritime framework that protects Iran's sovereignty. They also hinted that agreement could be reached as early as Wednesday.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the negotiations are aimed at creating an "intermediate corridor" that would replace both the existing Iran-controlled northern route and the US-backed southern route.

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