Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister stated Tuesday evening that Tehran proposed to Oman to divide management of the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran handling the lane adjacent to its coast and Oman managing part of the opposite lane, according to N12. The statement adds specific detail to earlier reports that Iran had proposed joint management.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister confirmed Tuesday evening that Tehran has proposed to Oman a division of management in the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran controlling the shipping lane adjacent to its coast and Oman managing part of the opposite lane, according to N12. The statement adds specific detail to earlier reports Tuesday afternoon that Iran had proposed joint management of the strategic waterway.
The thread of reporting began earlier Tuesday at 15:58 Jerusalem, when Reuters reported that Oman had floated new ideas for managing the Strait, with Tehran yet to respond. Shortly after, a senior Iranian official acknowledged the Omani proposals. Then, Iranian sources confirmed that Tehran had proposed joint management to Oman. The latest development, the Deputy FM's statement, specifies the division of lanes. Background: The Zioneer reported on June 24 that Oman coordinated with the IMO on a temporary shipping lane, and on June 27 that approximately 70% of tanker traffic had shifted to a southern route through Omani waters after the IRGC attempted to control passage. On July 5, The Zioneer reported that Iran rejected an Omani proposal for an alternative southern route under US supervision. On July 27, the Deputy FM stated "we will not accept your plans" regarding the southern route.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy. Iran has long argued that it is not international waters but a shared maritime route with Oman, as The Zioneer reported on June 9. The latest proposal, if accepted, would formalize Iranian control over the northern approach while giving Oman responsibility for the southern approach.
It remains unclear whether Oman or the US has responded to the latest offer, and whether the proposal will lead to a resolution of the maritime standoff.
5 developments
- ConfirmedOman submits proposal to Iran on Strait of Hormuz administration with voluntary transit fees
- DevelopingIran reportedly rejects Omani plan for alternative southern route to Hormuz under US supervision
- StrongOman drafts proposal for separate Strait of Hormuz lanes, with southern route free of Iran's permit requirements
- StrongIran: Strait of Hormuz management is solely Iran and Oman's responsibility, toll collection continues
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