Iran proposes interim Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman, warns waterway will remain closed if rejected | Today’s news
Iran proposed a temporary arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and offered Oman a new shipping management framework while rejecting a proposal for equal control of the waterway.
The proposal comes at a time of heightened tensions following months of conflict between Iran, the United States and Israel and renewed efforts to restore commercial shipping through one of the world’s busiest energy hubs.
Here’s what’s happening and why it matters.
What did Iran propose?
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran proposed a temporary traffic control system that would:
-Ships traveling in one direction would use routes through Iranian territorial waters.
-Part of the return traffic would also pass through Iranian-controlled waters.
-Oman would only manage part – not half – of the opposing lane.
According to Tehran, the arrangement would remain in place until broader regional security concerns are resolved.
Iran also warned that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed if Oman rejected the proposal.
Why did Iran reject Oman’s proposal?
Oman acts as an intermediary between Iran and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf.
According to Reuters, Muscat suggested:
– Equal control of sea lanes by Iran and Oman.
-A system of voluntary navigation fees paid by shipping companies.
– A framework designed to resume commercial operations after months of disruption.
Iran has rejected the proposal of equal sharing, arguing that it does not address its security concerns.
Tehran also reiterated that it has never recognized the southern shipping route running close to the Omani coast as a permanent transit channel.
What is the shipping charge dispute?
One of the biggest issues is whether ships should pay to use the Strait of Hormuz.
-Joint management of the strait with Oman.
-Service charges from commercial vessels using the route.
The United States opposes the idea.
Washington says international shipping should continue under the pre-war system, where vessels had free passage without compulsory payments.
Under Oman’s proposal, any financial contribution would reportedly be voluntary, similar to measures used in Southeast Asia’s Malacca Strait, where ships can choose to contribute to navigational safety and environmental protection.
How did the crisis start?
The latest crisis followed the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
By development:
-The United States launched renewed airstrikes aimed at weakening Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.
-Iran responded after the attacks by effectively closing the strait to most foreign naval vessels.
-The June agreement partially reopened the route.
-This arrangement collapsed in early July after Iran fired on vessels using a shipping lane it did not recognize.
Since then, commercial shipping has been greatly restricted.
What role does Donald Trump play?
President Donald Trump recently halted a renewed US bombing campaign after military advisers concluded the operation had achieved its objectives.
But Trump warned that military action remains an option.
He also repeated threats against Iran’s heavily fortified Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility, saying it could become a future military target if a deal is not reached.
But Iran insists it has not resumed talks with Washington and accuses the United States of violating the June framework agreement.
Why are frozen Iranian assets part of the dispute?
Negotiations on shipping overlap with another major dispute.
Iran’s military recently warned that it will deny passage through the Strait of Hormuz to vessels belonging to countries or companies that accept compensation from Iran’s frozen assets.
The warning followed Trump’s proposal to use Iranian funds held by the United States to compensate ships and cargo allegedly damaged during the conflict.
Tehran has called the proposal illegal and warned it could retaliate against shipping linked to countries participating in such a system.
Read also | Oil prices extend slide, fall more than 5% on US-Iran optimism
What about the Houthis?
The regional security situation became even more complicated after Yemen’s Iran-linked Houthi movement opened another front.
On July 20, the Houthis announced a blockade of Saudi ports in the Red Sea.
They later claimed responsibility for firing ballistic missiles at a Saudi oil tanker, forcing it to turn back.
The attacks spread concerns beyond the Strait of Hormuz to the wider Middle East shipping network.
Why is the Strait of Hormuz important?
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making it one of the world’s most critical sea lanes.
Before the conflict, roughly 20% of global oil exports and a significant share of liquefied natural gas (LNG) passed through the narrow waterway.
Any disruption to shipping through the strait could immediately affect global energy supplies, insurance costs, shipping rates and oil prices.
Read also | Iran threatens to block ships in Hormuz over Trump’s plan to use frozen assets
