The source, speaking to Iran’s Sepah News, said Tehran would not sign any agreement while facing pressure from Washington. The comments come as Iran and Oman continue discussions on a proposed framework for managing maritime traffic through one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. The discussions are also said to include the creation of a new “middle corridor” through the strait, replacing the current northern and southern shipping routes. The negotiations remain sensitive because the Strait of Hormuz has long been at the center of regional tensions involving Iran, the United States and Gulf Arab states. Any change in the management of shipping routes could have significant implications for international trade, energy markets and security in the Middle East.