Iran and Oman have unveiled a phased proposal to establish a temporary joint navigation corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a joint statement carried by the Oman News Agency. The initiative was discussed during talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart, Badr Albusaidi.
Iran and Oman Advance Discussions on Temporary Maritime Corridor
The framework is aimed at restoring safe navigation through the waterway following months of conflict and disruption to commercial shipping. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi stated that he was hopeful an announcement regarding the temporary corridor and practical arrangements would come soon.
Alongside the temporary route, the two countries agreed to continue technical negotiations toward establishing a permanent maritime corridor. These talks also cover the future administration of the Strait, traffic management, information exchange, and the provision of navigational and security services.
Ongoing Negotiations Amid Conflicting Regional Claims
While regional governments push ahead with the navigation framework, conflicting statements have emerged regarding the finality of the accord. A senior Iranian source stated that an agreement with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz has not been finalised, adding that talks are continuing on the details of an accord.
Conversely, a spokesperson for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Mohebbi, asserted that Iran and Oman had reached an agreement regarding their respective shares of the territory and revenues. Mohebbi stated in comments published by Iranian state media that the results of approximately a month of negotiations were acceptable to both sides.
The IRGC also accused the United States of seeking to obstruct the negotiations, warning that the Strait of Hormuz would not open unless U.S. conditions—including an end to the blockade on Iranian ports, compensation, and the removal of sanctions—are met. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump stated that a proposed deal with Iran would include reopening the strait and the U.S. ending its blockade, though he has also suggested the waterway could become American territory with a potential toll on passing ships.
Impact on Commercial Shipping and Regional Diplomacy
The diplomatic push between Iran and Oman coincides with continuing risks to commercial shipping in the waterway. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) reported that a tanker, the AL SALAM II,
was struck by an unknown projectile near Khasab, Oman, while transiting eastbound through the Strait. The impact caused a small hole and a fire that was extinguished by the crew, with no environmental impact reported.
JMIC noted that risks from drifting or uncharted mines remain present in and near the Strait’s Traffic Separation Scheme, where clearance and mine-surveying operations are ongoing. Traffic through Hormuz remains far below the historical average of approximately 138 vessels per day recorded in 2025.
The proposed Iran-Oman shipping corridor framework also drew regional attention during a visit to Tehran by Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who discussed the initiative with Iranian officials. The ongoing developments have influenced energy markets, with oil prices extending declines as investors price in potential de-escalation and steps toward resuming shipping.
Worth a look