US Official on Iran-Oman Deal
WASHINGTON — A supposed agreement between Iran and Oman to manage the Strait of Hormuz and share revenue from shipping fees is “not even close to done,” and it holds no real significance as long as President Trump’s blockade against Iran is in place, according to a US official.
A representative from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on Wednesday that the two nations had come to terms regarding the control of this crucial shipping route. However, the source for The Post indicated that the vague details of this arrangement still require full backing from Iran’s leadership.
“Such deals lack meaning unless we approve them. What Iran and Oman do is irrelevant. There’s no deal without Trump lifting the blockade,” the official remarked.
The official also added, “The deal is not even close to being finalized, and we are aware that it’s still pending approval within Iran.”
He further noted, “Last time we heard something was pending approval… well, we all saw how that turned out. It fell through.”
Trump, who hasn’t made direct comments on the reported arrangement, had previously threatened to “bomb the s–t out of” Oman if it proceeds with a deal to toll the strait.
Details on how the Iran-Oman deal would generate revenue remain murky, with prior mentions framing tolls as “service fees” meant to cover environmental and security costs.
Simultaneously, the US is stepping up efforts to economically pressure Iran following over a month of Trump’s renewed blockade on Iranian ports.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced “Operation Economic Outcast” on Monday, aimed at encouraging nations to cut business connections with Iran, as long lines formed at Iranian gas stations.
Bessent hinted at these actions last Thursday, claiming, “we are going to collapse this regime” through economic hardship, citing soaring inflation, rising unemployment, and a plummeting currency value in Iran.
“It’s clear that the new sanctions are having an effect,” the US official noted, pointing out the “two to three-mile” long fuel lines, calling the situation “wild.”
Even though peace negotiations have stagnated, the official remarked, “there are so many attempts to reach out; it’s difficult to keep track.”
Trump’s primary demand has been for Iran to agree to dismantle its highly enriched uranium program to avert the development of nuclear weapons. He’s also rejected the idea of allowing Iranian control over the strait post-conflict.
The US government’s belief that the Oman-Iran agreement is still waiting for formal approval in Tehran suggests that the IRGC may have been premature in its announcement.
IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi generated media attention by asserting that “agreements have been reached regarding each country’s share of the strait’s waters as well as the division of its revenues.”
Trump informed reporters that the strait is “open” to all vessels except those traveling to or from Iran, further indicating that he is not keen on resuming formal peace discussions.
“We don’t want to talk to them. We’re not looking to meet or anything. The strait is open,” he commented, adding, “Millions and millions of barrels of oil pass through the strait daily. Other nations recognize that.”
