Iran and Oman negotiate temporary shipping corridor in Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaid met in Tehran on Tuesday to discuss a framework for managing vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The joint statement released by the two countries proposes a temporary navigational corridor, coordinated mine-clearing efforts, and technical talks lasting 30 to 60 days to develop a permanent, sustainable route.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state television that the interim arrangement would route inbound traffic to the Persian Gulf entirely through Iranian waters, while outbound traffic would use both Iranian and Omani waters. Both sides said they would continue negotiations toward establishing a lasting shipping corridor and an agreement on the strait’s future administration.

The talks follow an incident on Monday in which an oil tanker was disabled by an attack off Oman’s eastern coast, highlighting the risks to commercial shipping in the contested waterway. No claim of responsibility was immediately made for the strike, and the crew were reported safe with no known environmental damage.

The strait, which previously carried about one-fifth of global oil trade, has remained largely shut since the conflict began in late February. The United States has not yet indicated whether it will accept the proposed temporary corridor, and President Donald Trump recently warned of possible action against Oman if it interferes with U.S. efforts to reopen the passage.