Iran, Oman near Hormuz shipping deal amid US objections
Draft proposal would split inbound and outbound shipping lanes while Washington disputes Tehran's interpretation of the arrangement
DUBAI, UAE (MNTV) — Iran and Oman are moving closer to a temporary agreement to reopen commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran seeking control over inbound vessel traffic and oversight of outbound shipments, according to officials familiar with the negotiations.
A senior Iranian source involved in the talks told Reuters that the proposal under discussion would place ships entering the Gulf under an Iranian-controlled shipping lane, while outbound vessels would use a route between Iran and Oman, with Oman issuing departure clearance after notifying Iranian authorities.
The source said Iran had already softened its initial demand for full control over shipping in both directions, but insisted Tehran would not retreat further from its current position.
Last month, Iran rejected an earlier Omani proposal to divide transit routes equally, arguing it failed to address Tehran’s security concerns.
Separately, The New York Times, citing Iranian and US officials, reported that the draft arrangement would allow commercial traffic to resume without imposing formal transit tolls.
Instead, Iranian officials said vessels would pay a “service fee” to cover environmental protection, maritime security and operational costs, with the proceeds shared equally between Iran and Oman.
US officials disputed Tehran’s account of the negotiations. One American official told the newspaper that any temporary shipping routes would neither require Iranian approval nor include payments to Tehran, directly contradicting the Iranian description of the proposed agreement.
The reported disagreement highlights continuing tensions over the future of the strategic waterway, which has remained largely closed since fighting erupted between the United States, Israel and Iran earlier this year.
The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly one-fifth of global oil supplies and serves as one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. Reopening the passage has become a central issue in efforts to stabilize the region after months of conflict.
According to The New York Times, some senior Pentagon officials have expressed reservations about the proposed arrangement, arguing it could amount to a significant concession by Washington that enhances Iran’s influence over one of the world’s most strategically important shipping corridors.
Iranian officials have also questioned whether the proposed mechanism would provide lasting security, expressing concerns that it may not prevent future military confrontations with the United States.
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