Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baqaei announced on Wednesday that Iran and Oman have reached the final stages of negotiations regarding the mutual control of the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions, which have reportedly been ongoing for two months, aim to establish a new framework for managing the strategic maritime passage.

While the Iranian government has characterized the talks as a bilateral effort to manage the strait, reports from other outlets suggest more specific and contentious objectives. According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the proposed agreement includes provisions that would allow Iran to bar ships from the United States and Israel from the waterway. Furthermore, the reports indicate that Iran may seek financial compensation from countries it deems hostile before granting them passage. The text of this agreement is currently under review by the Iranian parliament.

There is a notable discrepancy in the context provided by the two sources. Breitbart focuses strictly on the diplomatic announcement of a control agreement between the two nations. Conversely, SCMP frames the deal as a direct response to the geopolitical tensions following military strikes against Iran in February, which the outlet claims have significantly disrupted energy flows through the region. The two sources differ on the scope of the deal, with one emphasizing bilateral management and the other highlighting the exclusion of specific foreign navies.