Muscat, Oman. Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack as part of proposals offered in negotiations with the United States, a source briefed by Tehran said. The proposal would depend on reaching a deal to prevent renewed conflict.
Disruption after U.S.-Israeli war with Iran
The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has resulted in the largest-ever disruption of global oil and gas supplies due to Iran’s interruption of traffic through the strait, which handles about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
Hundreds of tankers and other ships and 20,000 seafarers have been stuck inside the Gulf since the war began on February 28. A two-week ceasefire came into effect on April 8, and U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the war was close to over, but control over the Strait of Hormuz remains a key issue in negotiations.
Proposal focuses on Omani waters
The source, who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, said Iran could be willing to let ships use the other side of the narrow strait in Omani waters without any hindrance from Tehran.
The source did not say whether Iran would also agree to clear any mines it may have placed in that stretch of water or if all ships, including those linked to Israel, would be allowed to pass freely.
The source said the proposal hinged on whether Washington was prepared to meet Tehran’s demands, a condition described as central to any potential breakthrough on the Strait of Hormuz.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Iran’s Foreign Ministry was not immediately available to comment.
Security source cites ongoing planning
A Western security source said the proposal to let ships pass through Omani waters unhindered had been in the works, although it was not clear whether there had been any response from Washington.
Strategic importance of the strait
The strait is a strip of water only 34 km (21 miles) wide between Iran and Oman and provides passage from the Gulf to the Indian Ocean. It is a main route for energy supplies from the Middle East and other goods including fertilisers.
The proposal would be the first visible step by Tehran to pull back from more combative ideas floated in recent weeks, including charging ships for passage through the international waterway and imposing sovereignty on the strait, steps the global shipping industry has viewed as unprecedented unilateral measures in breach of maritime conventions.
What impact could freer passage through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz have on global energy shipments?