Iran and Oman have discussed a proposed framework for a temporary joint navigation corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, but they have not announced that the route is operational. The countries’ foreign ministers also discussed a joint project to clear mines from the waterway.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi met Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on Tuesday. In a joint statement, the ministers said they had discussed a phased framework intended to provide a practical basis for moving forward.
What the proposed framework would cover
The plan would include a temporary corridor, mine clearance and continued technical negotiations on a permanent navigation corridor. The two sides also said they would work toward arrangements for exchanging information, managing vessel traffic and providing navigation and security services.
Iran and Oman said future arrangements must respect both countries’ sovereignty. They also stressed the importance of discussions with other Gulf coastal states so that any agreement follows international law and respects neighbouring countries’ sovereignty.
Related coverage: What ship traffic reveals about control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Why the waterway remains restricted
The Strait of Hormuz became a flashpoint in the war after Iran blockaded the waterway and the United States imposed a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports. Traffic remains largely paralysed, affecting a route that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
US President Donald Trump said the US Navy had removed or detonated mines in the international waters of the strait and warned that any new mining would trigger an immediate response. Iranian officials have said the strait will not fully reopen until the United States lifts its naval blockade, drops oil sanctions and unfreezes Iranian assets abroad.
What happens next
Technical negotiations between Iran and Oman will continue on a permanent corridor and future management arrangements. Albusaidi said he hoped the two countries would soon announce the temporary corridor, while describing a permanent solution as a later step.
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