Khamenei Disputes 60-Day Hormuz Deal as Iran Factions Stall Oman Traffic Pact

3 articles · Updated · Institute for the Study of War · Aug 5

AP reported on August 5 that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had not approved the draft Iran-Oman Strait of Hormuz traffic agreement, contradicting Axios' August 4 report that Iran's leadership had signed off.
Iran's factional politics appear to be slowing a decision: anti-concessions figures tied to the IRGC, reform-minded officials around President Masoud Pezeshkian, and ultra-hardliners all back control of the strait but differ on how much to concede.
The draft would reportedly reroute inbound ships through Iranian waters for 60 days while mines are cleared, and Iranian officials signaled they want a broader role that could also cover part of outbound traffic.
Tehran is likely using that leverage to seek wider US concessions before fully reopening the strait, including relief from military and economic pressure, making the vessel-traffic pact a first step toward broader ceasefire and nuclear talks.

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13 Sources

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From MoU to Meltdown: The 2026 Strait of Hormuz Crisis and Its Global Economic Fallout

Overview

In June 2026, the US and Iran signed a deal to pause hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but mutual accusations and rapid violations led to its collapse within weeks. The US responded with a naval blockade and airstrikes, while Iran retaliated with missile attacks, escalating regional tensions. The closure of the strait blocked a fifth of global oil and gas, causing energy prices to spike and forcing major producers to cut output. Shipping routes were rerouted, and global freight rates soared. Amid this turmoil, mediation by Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman brought the parties close to a new interim agreement, but the risk of renewed conflict remains high.

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