L'Iran affirme avoir conclu un accord avec l'Oman sur Hormuz et Trump dit qu'il pourrait y avoir un accord cette semaine

Iran says it is close to reaching an agreement with Oman over a new transit route through the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from local media. The proposed corridor would allow ships passing through the strategic waterway to enter the Persian Gulf under Iranian supervision and exit into the Arabian Sea under Omani management. This arrangement, still under negotiation, could reshape one of the world’s most critical maritime passages, which has been heavily impacted by recent regional tensions. The talks between Iran and Oman have spanned at least two months, during which Iranian officials analyzed technical, legal, security, and environmental aspects of the potential corridor. A spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmail Baqai, stated that both nations had agreed on the geographical coordinates of the planned route. He noted that they were working on a joint declaration, currently in its final drafting stage, though he cautioned that the announcement would depend on third parties not interfering with the process. Under the proposed framework, vessels would pay fees tied to security and environmental protection measures. This represents a notable concession to Tehran, which has sought greater influence over the strait since the outbreak of hostilities with the United States and Israel late last month. However, Baqai warned that even if a formal agreement is reached, the security situation remains uncertain due to ongoing U.S. actions, including naval blockades and other aggressive measures. Since the start of the conflict on February 28, Iran has effectively controlled the passage, following threats and attacks against commercial shipping that drastically reduced vessel traffic. The intermittent closure of the channel has led to sharp spikes in international oil prices and increased pressure on Washington to find a resolution. Iranian authorities claim that their control has restored stability to the area, although this stance has drawn criticism from Western governments. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about the possibility of a deal being finalized soon. Speaking in California, he claimed that progress had been made and suggested the agreement might be announced within days. However, insiders familiar with the negotiations tempered this enthusiasm, pointing out that key differences remain, particularly regarding the extent of Iranian authority over the transit system. The Trump administration has publicly rejected any proposal that grants Tehran control over the strait, which has historically been considered an international waterway open to all. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that discussions had advanced, albeit without definitive outcomes. He reiterated that allowing Iran to manage the passage would set a dangerous precedent, emphasizing the need for continued diplomatic efforts. Despite these developments, the economic fallout from the crisis continues to affect global markets. While crude oil prices initially dipped amid hopes for de-escalation, they remained around $80 per barrel, far below the peaks recorded during the height of the crisis. Security conditions along the region’s maritime routes continue to deteriorate. Rebel groups affiliated with Iran, such as the Houthi rebels in Yemen, have reportedly launched ballistic missiles at Saudi oil tankers, further complicating the already volatile situation. These incidents underscore the broader instability affecting the Gulf and highlight the urgent need for a sustainable solution to ensure safe and secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz.