Iran agrees on Hormuz navigation route with Oman as US standoff continues

Six months after maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz plummeted from 95 to around 15 daily transits, military and diplomatic maneuvering around the strategic waterway has intensified. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei announced a technical agreement with Oman establishing a safe navigation route following positive talks over recent weeks.

However, Tehran reiterated that the strait will not fully reopen until Washington fulfills several demands, including lifting oil sanctions, releasing frozen assets, and ceasing military operations. US President Donald Trump expressed optimism that an agreement could emerge "very soon," while warning that Iran will be hit "very strongly" if the passage remains closed. Concurrently, senior Revolutionary Guard commanders rejected American pressure, promising "strategic surprises" and vowing to maintain their defensive posture until US forces are defeated.

Sources: Diário de Notícias (DN), Expresso, Expresso das Ilhas, Jornal Económico, RTP.