Baghdad: US sources have revealed an agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz, which includes a clause on proposed safe shipping routes through the strait, another on the cancellation of fees, and a third on a deadline for clearing the strait of mines.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the United States is nearing an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz, expected to be announced today, Wednesday. Two regional sources and a US official confirmed that the United States, Iran, and Oman are close to finalizing a temporary agreement to reopen the strait. This development follows US President Donald Trump's decision to back down from threats of a large-scale bombing campaign, allowing for continued diplomatic efforts.

Axios discussed the importance of the agreement, which has been under negotiation for several weeks. It aims to reinstate the ceasefire between Washington and Tehran and relaunch negotiations on the nuclear issue. The anticipated agreement seeks to address some of Iran's demands related to strengthening Tehran's control over maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a control it lacked before the escalation of tensions.

Key provisions of the agreement, according to regional sources, include a 60-day interim arrangement between Oman and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, with potential for renewal. All vessels entering the Strait and heading towards the Gulf will use a northerly route through Iranian waters, while those leaving will use a southerly route through Omani waters, coordinated with Iran. No fees or taxes will be imposed during the 60-day period, and both parties will commit to removing sea mines from the central channel of the Strait within 30 days. Once cleared, this channel will be designated for inbound and outbound traffic under a permanent arrangement to be negotiated between Muscat and Tehran.

The sources confirmed that officials from Qatar, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia participated in the mediation efforts alongside Muscat and Tehran. The White House was actively involved in the negotiations, with numerous contacts between President Trump's envoy, Steve Wittkopf, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi.

Two regional sources revealed that Araqchi gave initial approval over the weekend, pending the approval of Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and the Iranian Supreme National Security Council. A US official and a regional source reported that the Iranian leadership completed the formal approval process on Tuesday.