Iran claims to have reached an agreement with Oman regarding the shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, and the market is paying attention to the prospects for the restoration of energy transportation.

Iran has stated that it has reached an agreement with Oman on the proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, which is seen as an important step towards the reopening of this globally critical energy transport corridor. Following this news, market expectations for the restoration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz have intensified, with international oil prices stabilizing around $79 per barrel for Brent crude on Wednesday. Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, indicated on Wednesday that the joint statement between Iran and Oman has entered the final drafting stage and is under review. He noted that negotiations between the two sides are "professional and making continuous progress," adding that if "not obstructed by certain third parties," they would reach a final agreement. Baghaei pointed out that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is a result of attacks launched by the United States and Israel; however, he did not mention any role for the U.S. in the agreement. In fact, Iran and Oman have been negotiating the management plan for the Strait of Hormuz for several days. As the conflict between the U.S. and Iran has escalated over the past few months, this globally vital energy transport route has become the focal point of the two sides contest. U.S. President Trump stated on Tuesday night in Los Angeles that an agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz is "about to be reached." However, Iranian state television downplayed the outcomes of the negotiations on Wednesday. A knowledgeable source indicated that even if Iran and Oman reach an agreement, it does not mean that the Strait of Hormuz will immediately reopen. Reports suggested that whether the Strait reopens still depends on "whether U.S. behavior changes." On the market front, as more signs indicate the potential for the Strait of Hormuz to resume navigation, international oil prices stabilized on Wednesday. Traders believe that once the strait reopens, the millions of barrels of oil per day that have been disrupted due to recent conflicts are likely to gradually resume supply. As of the European trading session, Brent crude futures had slightly retreated to around $79 per barrel. Recent news and statements surrounding the agreement on the Strait of Hormuz come as the U.S. and Iran remain locked in a stalemate over how to end their ongoing five-month conflict. Although both sides have currently suspended large-scale military operations, several core issues, including the Iranian nuclear program, remain unresolved, and they have yet to agree on initiating formal negotiations. Analysts believe that whether the Strait of Hormuz can truly return to normal navigation depends not only on the coordination progress between Iran and Oman but also on subsequent diplomatic interactions between the U.S. and Iran and changes in regional security situations. Until relevant uncertainties are resolved, the global energy market will continue to closely monitor developments in the Middle East.