TEHRAN: Iran tied Strait of Hormuz reopening to US concessions on Saturday, August 8, despite nearing a shipping-route agreement with neighbouring Oman.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran and Muscat were “very close” to agreeing on a new route. However, he said the accord alone would not restore normal traffic through the Middle East waterway.
Araqchi identified US compensation for Iran as one of the conditions. Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, secretary of Iran’s top national security body, outlined additional demands.
Zolqadr called for an end to US threats and attacks against Iran and its regional allies. He also demanded the lifting of sanctions and a naval blockade, along with the release of frozen Iranian assets, according to a Reuters report
IRGC spokesperson says reopening the Strait of Hormuz will depend on the United States accepting conditions set by Tehran.
“The Strait of Hormuz is no longer merely an economic waterway for us; it is a source of power,” he said, adding that the U.S. must stop interfering in… pic.twitter.com/B7oWh7tLJq
— Faytuks Network (@FaytuksNetwork) August 8, 2026Oman’s Foreign Ministry in Muscat described negotiations over navigation arrangements as “positive and constructive.” It also condemned repeated attacks on vessels without assigning responsibility.
The ministry urged all parties to avoid actions that could undermine the negotiations. Iran and Oman are discussing a temporary route while they resolve legal and technical issues surrounding a permanent system.
Separately, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company said a missile targeted one of its vessels early Saturday. No injuries occurred, and the company brought the situation under control, according to the official WAM statement.
Read: ADNOC Vessel Attack: UAE Accuses Iran of Piracy in Hormuz
The United Arab Emirates accused Iran of carrying out the strike. Iranian authorities did not immediately respond to the accusation.
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations separately reported that an unknown projectile struck a vessel 18 nautical miles east of Khasab, Oman. The impact caused a fire, but the crew extinguished it. UKMTO did not confirm whether the vessel was an ADNOC vessel.
The war began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Before the conflict, the strait handled about one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments.
