Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack. This is part of proposals presented in negotiations with the United States, provided a deal is finalized to prevent renewed conflict, according to a source close to Tehran.
The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has led to the largest disruption of global oil and gas supplies in history. This was caused by Iran interrupting traffic in the strait, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) flows. Since the war began on February 28, hundreds of tankers and other vessels, along with 20,000 seafarers, have been stuck in the Gulf. A two-week ceasefire took effect on April 8, and on Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the war is close to an end; however, control over the Strait of Hormuz remains a key issue in negotiations.
Details of the Proposal
The source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that Iran might be willing to allow ships to use the other side of the narrow strait—in Omani waters—without any hindrance from Tehran.
The informant did not specify whether Iran would also agree to remove mines it may have deployed in that stretch of water, or if all ships—including those linked to Israel—would be granted permission for free passage. It was added, however, that the proposal depends on Washington’s readiness to meet Tehran’s demands, which is a key condition for any breakthrough regarding the strait.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was also not immediately available. A Western security source confirmed that the proposal for free passage through Omani waters was being prepared, though it is unclear if Washington has responded yet.
Geopolitical and Economic Context
The Strait of Hormuz, a strip of water only 34 km (21 miles) wide between Iran and Oman, is the only exit from the Gulf to the Indian Ocean. It is the main route for energy supplies from the Middle East and other crucial goods, such as fertilizers.
This proposal would be Tehran’s first visible step toward backing away from more confrontational ideas floated in recent weeks.
These included:
- Introducing tolls for ships passing through this international waterway.
- Imposing sovereignty over the strait.
The global shipping industry viewed these announcements as unprecedented, unilateral steps violating maritime conventions. Member states of the UN’s International Maritime Organization (IMO), meeting this week in London, rejected the idea of Iran imposing tolls, which the IMO said would „set a dangerous precedent.”
A Return to the Status Quo?
The Iranian proposal would also be the first move toward restoring the status quo in shipping through the strait, which had been in place for decades despite periodic seizures of ships by Iran.
The current routing system, which separates shipping corridors into Iranian and Omani waters, is based on the so-called Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), adopted by the UN maritime agency in 1968 with the agreement of regional states.
On Monday, the US imposed a blockade on tankers leaving Iranian ports, and general shipping traffic has remained muted since February 28.
