New York, August 4: Iran is currently in talks with Oman to establish a single two-way route through the strategic Hormuz Strait, according to Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for Tehran’s Foreign Ministry. This new arrangement aims to facilitate shipping traffic in the region.
During a news briefing in Tehran, Baghaei stated that this plan would replace the multiple lanes currently used for shipping in the Strait. He emphasized that discussions between the two countries focus on converting the separate northern and southern routes into a single intermediate corridor, designed with the interests and security concerns of both coastal nations in mind.
However, there has been no official comment from Oman regarding these negotiations. The Omani Foreign Ministry has remained silent since Tuesday morning, neither confirming nor denying the ongoing discussions.
If an agreement is reached to allow ships to navigate the Strait again, it could benefit countries and the global economy that have been affected by disruptions in energy shipping.
According to Tasnim News Agency, Baghaei noted that no other countries are involved in these talks, effectively sidelining the United States from the process. U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that negotiations are underway to reopen the Strait with Iran, a statement Baghaei has denied.
Tehran has previously mined the Strait and attacked vessels attempting to pass through, while the U.S. has blocked Iranian ports and fired on ships that violate these restrictions.
IRNA reported that the proposed interim corridor will remain in use until Iran and Oman agree on a permanent replacement for the existing International Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). The TSS, adopted by the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO) in 1968, establishes shipping lanes to reduce collisions and enhance safety.
The TSS designates two-mile-wide lanes for both directions, separated by a two-mile buffer zone. Due to reports of mines in the area, the IMO has advised ships to avoid the TSS.
Media reports from U.S. and Iranian officials suggest that the Muscat-Tehran plan envisions the Strait functioning like a highway, with vessels navigating in designated lanes. Ships heading towards the Gulf would use the Iranian side, while those exiting would follow the Omani route.
Baghaei, however, stated that the southern route through Omani waters, which Washington intended to manage, would violate the agreement reached between the U.S. and Iran in June, raising environmental and national security concerns.
The U.S. Navy had previously escorted some vessels from Oman, but attacks on those ships led to a halt in operations. Reports indicate that under this arrangement, Iran may charge service fees for vessels passing through its waters, though it will not be labeled as a toll to avoid violating international law, which Trump has strongly opposed. During the briefing, Baghaei deflected questions regarding the fee.
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