Iran, Oman advance Hormuz shipping talks
Iran and Oman are continuing talks on a new shipping arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz, but an informed source says the process is being delayed by US interference and threats from President Donald Trump. The source said Iran will not accept any deal under pressure and argued that the negotiations remain strictly bilateral between Tehran and Muscat.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the discussions are moving forward at technical and political levels and are centered on safe shipping routes that protect the sovereign rights and security interests of both countries. He said the two sides are working on the mechanisms needed for a future framework, and that the final outcome will be announced once talks are completed.
According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the proposed plan could create a new middle corridor in the Strait to replace the current northern and southern routes. Under the reported framework, Iran would oversee inbound traffic through an Iranian-controlled lane and keep visibility over outbound vessels, while Omani authorities would issue final exit clearance after notifying Tehran. The arrangement is also said to include security and environmental service fees and could be linked to the lifting of US restrictions on Iranian ports.
The source said the talks began after a ceasefire and later entered a more serious phase, despite what Iran describes as efforts by Washington to obstruct the process. Iranian officials say the aim is to secure safe passage through the strategic waterway while preserving sovereignty and security rights as a coastal state. Tehran also says recent regional developments have made a new framework necessary, even though the current corridor has existed in Omani waters for decades.
