Any agreement between Iran and Oman on future shipping arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz would not lead to the immediate reopening of the strategic waterway, Al Jazeera reports, citing Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB.

The source said negotiations on future navigation arrangements are being conducted exclusively between Tehran and Muscat and “have nothing to do with the United States”.

“The possible agreement between Iran and Oman on the arrangements for vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz has nothing to do with the immediate opening of this strait,” the source added.

Even if Iran and Oman reach an agreement, the strait will remain closed as long as what Tehran describes as “US violations” continue, according to the report.

“The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz depends on a change in US behaviour and the correction of its violations,” the source said.

The remarks also followed reports in Iranian media that Tehran was close to reaching an understanding with Muscat on a new navigation corridor, provided the US stopped interfering in the negotiations.