Iran, Oman move toward temporary Hormuz shipping corridor

TEHRAN: Iran and Oman have agreed on a framework for establishing a temporary maritime corridor through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, in a move aimed at restoring safer shipping and reducing risks in one of the world’s most important waterways.

The understanding emerged during talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, in Tehran on Tuesday. The two sides discussed measures to resume safe navigation while protecting the sovereignty and maritime rights of both countries.

According to a joint statement, the proposed framework includes the creation of a joint temporary navigational corridor and a coordinated project to clear possible mines from the waterway. The initiative is intended to provide a practical mechanism for ships to move through the strait while longer-term arrangements are negotiated.

The Strait of Hormuz has remained heavily disrupted since the outbreak of the wider Iran war in February. Before the conflict, the waterway handled roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any prolonged disruption a major concern for energy markets and international shipping.

The latest agreement, however, is being viewed as an interim measure rather than a final settlement. Iranian and Omani officials are expected to continue technical discussions on establishing a permanent navigational corridor, managing vessel traffic and sharing information about maritime movements.

The two countries also intend to examine future arrangements for administering the strait and providing navigation and security services. They have stressed that any long-term mechanism should take into account the rights and interests of other Gulf states bordering the waterway.

Iranian officials have also indicated that further technical negotiations could continue over the coming weeks. The proposed arrangement is particularly significant because the strait connects the energy-rich Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea.

Araghchi said discussions with regional partners had focused on diplomatic and regional solutions, while emphasizing continued technical-level contacts over navigation and the future management of the waterway.

For Oman, which has traditionally played a mediating role in regional disputes, the initiative offers another opportunity to promote dialogue and maritime stability. For Iran, reopening a controlled shipping route could ease economic pressure while maintaining its position on sovereignty and security in the strait.

The success of the temporary corridor will ultimately depend on security conditions, mine-clearing efforts and agreement over how commercial vessels will be guided. Still, the latest Iran-Oman talks provide a potentially important opening for restoring maritime traffic and creating a pathway toward a more permanent solution.