Iran and Oman have exchanged competing proposals on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, as negotiations continue over reopening one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.
According to Reuters, Oman has proposed a joint regional management mechanism modeled on the Strait of Malacca, under which Iran and Oman would share responsibility for the waterway and ships would make voluntary contributions to fund navigation, environmental protection, and search-and-rescue operations. The proposal would prevent either country from exercising sole control over the strait.
Iran, however, has rejected the idea of an equal division of transit routes, arguing that it does not address Tehran's security concerns. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran instead proposed that Iran manage shipping through its own territorial waters, while Oman would oversee only part of the opposite shipping lane.
Despite ongoing disagreements over shipping routes, fees, governance, and mine clearance responsibilities, both sides continue negotiations. Iranian officials said discussions with Oman are progressing "step by step," while reiterating that Tehran is prepared to take "any action" to maintain control over the strategic waterway if necessary.
The talks come as Persian Gulf states seek to restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, which handled about 20% of global energy supplies before the recent conflict disrupted shipping.