Is Iran planning a new Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor with Oman?

Iran has signalled significant progress regarding the possibility of reaching a deal on the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that negotiations with Oman regarding a new maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz are in their “final stages.”

Moreover, Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, also confirmed that the new shipping maritime route in the Hormuz will be more separate from existing corridors.

“We are now going to reach an understanding on a route acceptable to both sides – neither the northern route nor the southern route – but one that respects the sovereign rights of both sides and safeguards our national interests and security,” Baghaei said.

Further details of the new route are not immediately clear and Muscat has not yet commented on this development.

Baghaei also added that though both countries have been engaged in talks to provide a safe and temporary route through the strategically important waterway, this is not enough for reopening the strait. The reopening of Hormuz only depends on ending US-Iran hostilities.

Baghaei said, “an understanding between Iran and Oman on a new route has nothing to do with whether the Strait of Hormuz is reopened or remains closed.”

Tehran also maintains that the strait will not return to its pre-war status, blaming the United States for the waterway's closure due to naval blockades and military strikes.

Earlier Oman proposed a joint regional mechanism to manage the strait of Hormuz with a 50-50 split between Tehran and Muscat.

The joint mechanism was also supported by voluntary fees paid by shipping companies, similar to arrangements used to support navigational safety initiatives in the Strait of Malacca.

However, Iran rejected this 50-50 division and presented its own version of management. According to Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibadi, Iran seeks to oversee its side of the strait's shipping route, leaving Oman to manage just a segment of the opposing lane.

The announcement comes after President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the US and Israel have agreed to halt new attacks on Iran, provided a rapid deal is reached that includes the total opening of the strait and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. Trump also announced that talks with Iran will resume on Monday.

But, Iran refused to resume any talks with the United States.