US Iran Deal: Major progress appears to be being made towards ending the ongoing tension between America and Iran and normalizing global energy supply. According to a report by Fox News, America is planning to remove the sanctions imposed on Iran along with reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The work of removing landmines laid in this important sea route will be done in the next phase.

Important part of Strait of Hormuz agreement

Recent statements by the US administration and regional leaders indicate that Washington and Tehran are close to agreeing on a Framework Agreement. The agreement aims to end months of conflict and restore maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy transportation routes.

American stance will soften in exchange for opening the Strait of Hormuz

According to Fox News information, reopening the Strait of Hormuz will be a major part of the proposed agreement. According to Reuters report, a US official said that under the agreement, Iran will have to open the strait and in return the US will soften its naval blockade.

Also read: What issues were agreed upon in the deal between Iran and America? Donald Trump said this about nuclear weapons

De-mining process will be done in the next phase

While talking to journalists, the American official said that this process will move forward together. He told that after the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and relaxation of the blockade, in the next phase the work of removing mines from the sea route i.e. de-mining will be done.

Hormuz is very important for global energy supply

The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the most important maritime trade routes in the world. A large part of the oil and gas coming out of the Gulf region reaches the global markets through this route. This waterway remained a major center of tension during the recent conflict.

The goal is to restore maritime security and movement.

The purpose of the proposed agreement is not only to open the waterway but also to ensure maritime security and restore unhindered movement of ships. Under this, a plan is also being made to remove security risks and dangers related to mines.

Trump expressed the possibility of an agreement on Sunday

Both US President Donald Trump and Pakistan Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif have indicated that this agreement may be finalized soon. According to the Associated Press, Trump said Saturday that the agreement was “set for signing on Sunday.”

Shahbaz Sharif said – agreement can be reached in 24 hours

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said that this agreement to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is now closer than ever and it can be finalized within the next 24 hours.

Preparation of electronic signature

Shahbaz Sharif said that preparations are underway to sign the agreement through electronic means. After this, technical level meetings will be organized next week, in which issues related to the implementation of the agreement will be discussed.

The renewed war situation in the Middle East and the tension on the Strait of Hormuz are affecting the global energy supply. Meanwhile, India, along with Oman, has found a way in which there will be no need for the Strait of Hormuz. To ensure that the energy supply in India is not disrupted, a project to lay a long pipeline between Gujarat and Oman has been announced. This gas pipeline will be laid in a depth of about 2000 kilometers across the Arabian Sea.

Amidst the ever-changing geopolitics of the world, India has taken steps towards ensuring its energy supply. The Oman-Gujarat Deep-Sea Gas Pipeline Project was considered many times in the last 30 years, but due to huge expenses, technical problems and questions like the benefits of this project, it never progressed beyond planning. South Asia Gas Enterprise (SAGE) has been promoting this project for years. He says that they have already done technical and financial assessment for the planned route as well as survey of the sea surface.

How much will the gas pipeline cost?

This project will cost around Rs 40,000 crore. It will bring natural gas directly from Oman to the western coast of India (Gujarat) through the world’s deepest sea route. With the construction of this pipeline, a safe direct route for energy will be created between the Gulf countries and India. With this, India will not have to depend on sea routes like the Strait of Hormuz.

Why is this project important for India

India imports most of its crude oil needs and is largely dependent on foreign supplies for natural gas, especially LNG. Most of it comes to India from Gulf countries through the Strait of Hormuz. If there is any kind of obstruction on this route, it can have a direct impact on the global energy market, which can affect ship fares, fuel prices and supply chains.

At present, the situation on the Strait of Hormuz due to the Middle East war has made it clear how risky it can be to depend only on this sea route. Huge fluctuations in LNG prices and safety of ships revived interest in this pipeline project. Before importing LNG, the gas is converted into liquid. After that it is brought through tankers and on reaching India it is converted into gas again. The gas will be able to reach India directly through the pipeline.

How is the proposed pipeline project?

The Petroleum Ministry has recently tasked government companies like GAIL, Engineers India Limited and Indian Oil Corporation to prepare a detailed feasibility report based on the pre-feasibility study submitted by SAGE. This could pave the way for formal talks with Oman on gas supply, financing and implementation.

Under this project, some part of the pipeline is likely to be more than 3,000 meters (3 KM) below sea level. On one hand, this can help India in diversifying its energy sources, while on the other hand, Oman will get a stable export market. According to the project proposals, the cost of sending gas through this pipeline could be between $2 to $2.25 per MMBTU.

Also read: Europe’s sanctions on Iran begin! Action taken regarding threat to freedom of navigation in Hormuz