TEHRAN, Iran: Iran said a Hormuz reopening deal with Oman was near completion but tied unrestricted shipping to compensation, sanctions relief and an end to US military threats.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said the agreement would define new shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran and Oman have worked on a safe commercial corridor for two months, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
Araqchi said Tehran and Washington had exchanged messages through intermediaries. He ruled out direct negotiations while accusing the United States of breaching a June interim agreement.
Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, outlined six conditions on Saturday. They included compensation for strike damage, an end to military threats and the removal of a US naval blockade.
Read: IRGC Statement Claims Media Recognise Trump War Defeat
Zolqadr also called for Washington to lift sanctions and release frozen Iranian assets. Tasnim News Agency reported his statement on Aug. 8.
A US official told Reuters that Washington would lift its blockade after Iran implemented a commercial shipping agreement. The official requested anonymity.
Read: Iran Ties Strait of Hormuz Reopening to US Concessions
President Donald Trump of the United States described Washington’s approach as “low-key” in an Axios interview. He said the two governments were only “semi-negotiating.”
