Iran and Oman have agreed on a framework for a “joint temporary navigational corridor” through the Strait of Hormuz, the two countries announced in a joint statement Tuesday, potentially the most concrete diplomatic step toward reopening the waterway since the war began nearly six months ago.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaid met Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in Tehran to discuss a phased approach to managing ship traffic through the strait, which has been largely closed since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on February 28. The proposal includes coordinated mine-clearing operations on both sides of the narrow passage.
“The proposed framework includes a joint temporary navigational corridor and both countries working to clear mines from the waterway,” the joint statement said. Iran and Oman said they would continue technical negotiations toward establishing a permanent shipping corridor and an agreement on the future administration of the strait, which carries roughly a fifth of the world’s traded oil.
Pakistan Mediation Wraps Up as U.S. Stance Uncertain
A high-level Pakistani delegation led by Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir also met senior Iranian officials including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf before departing Tehran on Tuesday. Pakistan has served as the primary mediator between Washington and Tehran throughout the conflict. The Pakistani military described the talks as covering efforts to revive negotiations to end the Iran-U.S. war.
It remains unclear whether the United States will accept the emerging Iran-Oman deal. President Trump last week threatened to bomb Oman if it “gets in the way” of American efforts to reopen the strait. Washington has maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports and has fired on vessels it suspects of violating sanctions.
Oil Tanker Disabled in Separate Attack
The diplomatic talks came as a separate incident underscored the ongoing danger in the waterway. An oil tanker was struck by a projectile off the coast of Oman on Monday night, disabling its engine, the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Organization reported. All crew were reported safe and there were no immediate reports of environmental damage. No one claimed responsibility for the attack.
Iran periodically fires at vessels attempting to transit the strait to enforce its control, though there was no immediate claim for Monday’s strike. The United States has also fired on vessels while imposing its blockade. Before the war, approximately 20 percent of the world’s traded oil passed through the strait freely.
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