Iran is demanding complete control over inbound shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and authority to monitor and intervene in outbound vessel movement, according to a senior Iranian official who detailed Tehran's terms to Reuters. An announcement on reopening the strategic waterway is expected within hours or by Wednesday at the latest, according to Saudi channel Al Arabiya.
The disclosed demands represent Iran's maximalist negotiating position as talks mediated by Oman and Qatar near apparent conclusion. According to the Iranian official involved in the mediation process, "this is the general idea now under discussion."
Proposed Shipping Architecture
Under the framework reportedly being negotiated, inbound vessels would transit through a route controlled jointly by Iran and Oman. For outbound traffic, the exit route would pass through the Oman-controlled side of the strait, but final exit clearance would be granted by Oman only after advance notification to Iranian authorities.
This structure would grant Iran de facto veto authority over all traffic leaving the strait—a more extensive control regime than the equal-split proposal that Iran rejected in late July.
Tehran's Rejection of Earlier Compromise
In late July, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected an Omani proposal for equal division of transit routes, arguing that such an arrangement failed to address Iran's security requirements "for long-term regional stability."
The senior Iranian official now mediating stated flatly that "Tehran is not expected to change its position," signaling the firmness of Iran's demands as agreements are finalized.
Expected Announcement Timeline
Al Arabiya reports that a formal announcement on Hormuz reopening is expected to be delivered within hours or by Wednesday morning, marking a potential breakthrough after months of intensive regional negotiations.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said moments ago that progress has been achieved in negotiations with Iran on opening the Strait of Hormuz. "Nothing is final," he said, "but I hope the agreement will be signed very soon."
