Witkoff and Kushner in Doha to Meet Mediators, But No High-Level Talks Set With Iran, Says Qatar

Baghaei on Tuesday said the recent strikes undoubtedly had a “negative impact on the ongoing process.”

The Memorandum of Understanding states that “the Islamic Republic of Iran will make arrangements using its best efforts for the safe passage of commercial vessels with no charge for 60 days only from the Persian Gulf to the Sea of Oman and vice versa.”

But disagreements remain regarding shipping routes via the crucial Strait, through which around a fifth of global oil production flows.

The traditional route, used before the Iran war, takes vessels on a central voyage down the Strait. However, there are concerns about mines and other high-risk factors. Despite some progress, two merchant vessels were struck last week.

Washington has promoted a southern lane along the coast of Oman, which could enable evasion from Iranian officials. 

Last week, Oman announced a temporary maritime corridor in coordination with the International Maritime Organization as commercial traffic gradually resumed after weeks of disruption.