Iran to control Hormuz Strait with Oman

Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on joint control over the Strait of Hormuz, a naval route for 85% of oil freight from the Gulf, Izvestia reports.

Experts call it an important political step by Iran towards its neighbors and Western states. Tehran threatened to close the strait, which could have caused a dramatic rise in oil prices.

Iran will control the northern part of the strait, Oman – the eastern.

Rajab Safarov, Director of the Center for Studies of Modern Iran, believes that both sides benefit. Arab states will not be aware of Iran’s plans. Tehran will demonstrate the transparency of its plans. Oman gains a strategic partner and certain protection from local incidents.

Iran has a bigger fleet than Oman, which makes full-scale military cooperation unlikely. There is little chance that Oman would block the strait with Iran in case of threats.