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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, August 6. According to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the two leaders discussed the latest developments in West Asia and India-Israel bilateral relations.  

Emphasis on India-Israel’s ‘special strategic partnership’

The PMO said the two leaders reviewed the progress in the India-Israel Special Strategic Partnership and reiterated their resolve to further strengthen cooperation in areas such as defence, technology, and trade for the mutual benefit of both countries.  

The statement also said that Netanyahu and Modi would remain in touch regarding the situation in West Asia. The conflict in the region has been ongoing for more than five months, with no lasting solution in sight.  

What is going on with Hormuz?

Meanwhile, tensions are also escalating regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, stated that a draft agreement with Oman is in the final stages. AFP quoted him as saying that the geographic coordinates of the passage have been agreed upon. A joint statement could be issued soon if no third party intervenes.  

Baghaei alleged that the factors making Hormuz unsafe still stem from the US side, particularly the naval blockade and threatening measures against Iran.  

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global shipping and energy, carrying around 20% of the world’s oil and gas shipments before the US and Israeli attacks on Iran in February.  

Will this deal ease tensions?

The draft Oman-Iran deal will require the approval of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to an AP report. Officials have described it as a temporary solution to the Hormuz dispute.  

Under a potential agreement, ships would enter the Persian Gulf via Iran-controlled routes and exit via Oman, with service fees for safety and the marine environment. However, the US is opposing this.

The US says Iran’s fee is against the agreement and that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open to all ships. Officials believe that if the deal is reached, it could also pave the way for the US and Iran to resume talks on Tehran’s nuclear program. The previous agreement, reached in June, collapsed after the attacks.