The agreement between Iran and Oman might help bring the U.S. and Iran back to the negotiation table. Mohammad Islami, a researcher on Middle East and North Africa studies at Tehran University, stated that Iran and Oman are facing significant legal challenges while negotiating a new framework to manage the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Islami said: 'The first issue is the territorial waters between Iran and Oman, and the second is about establishing some sort of authority between the two countries.' However, the professor noted that Iranians understand Oman is negotiating on behalf of the U.S. and other Gulf Cooperation Council member states. Islami mentioned that if Oman and Iran manage to reach an agreement, it could pave the way for finding better and more diplomatic solutions, as the management of the Strait of Hormuz is a complex overlapping issue. 'Since the negotiations between Iran and Oman began before Iran and the U.S. signed a memorandum of understanding, they are close to reaching some sort of long-term agreement between the two countries.' To put it simply, Oman is now essentially representing the U.S. and the global community in negotiations with Iran, and Iran is fully aware of this.