Navigation, jurisdiction, costs: Iran, Oman attempt to hammer out Hormuz deal

Iran and Oman are negotiating the opening of a temporary shipping corridor and the clearance of mines in the blockaded Strait of Hormuz, which both nations border. They have yet to agree on the conditions for the waterway's reopening as the Middle East war nears the six-month mark, but talks are ongoing. Here's what we know about the latest negotiations between Tehran and Muscat. Why Oman? Both countries sit on the strait crucial for the global oil and gas trade, and are trying to define the terms of a controlled resumption of shipping, which has been paralysed by Tehran since the US-Israeli attacks that started the war in late February. Read moreWhy is France betting on Oman amid the Hormuz crisis? A US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed in mid-June provided for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and left it up to Iran and Oman "to define the future administration and maritime services" in the waterway, in discussion with Gulf states and in line with international law. Read moreIslamabad MoU: Trump is back to square one, but the cards are now in Tehran’s favor But the deal, which was supposed to pave the way for talks on permanently ending the war, has since fallen apart....