A Western source cited by Arab media reports that Oman, under pressure from the US, Europe, and Saudi Arabia, is considering accepting a plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal, designed largely on an Iranian initiative, would give Iran dominant control over vessel entry into the strait, routing incoming ships through Iranian-controlled waters.
A Western source cited by Arab media reported this evening that Oman, under pressure from the United States, Europe, and Saudi Arabia, is considering accepting an Iranian-led plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal would give Iran dominant control over vessel entry, routing incoming ships through Iranian-controlled waters while outgoing vessels use a lane near the Omani coast, similar to previous reports. The channel reporting the information expressed skepticism, characterizing the plan as 'nonsense' (חרטא בפיתה).
The new report follows a day of rapid diplomatic activity. At 10:52 Tuesday, The Zioneer reported that Iran stated it would gain full control over vessel entry under a plan with Oman. By 15:07, The New York Times reported that the arrangement would give Iran control of all incoming traffic and allow it to collect 'maritime service fees,' while a senior Iranian source told an Arabic-language channel that Oman would be required to notify Iran before any vessel exits. Separately, a senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran would not accept any alternative to the joint plan. At 17:24, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed 'significant progress' toward reopening the strait, cautioning that nothing is final.
The talks represent the latest phase in months of negotiations. As The Zioneer reported on June 14, a senior US official stated that the strait would reopen with no tolls under a framework deal. On July 11, reports indicated that Iran initiated the Muscat talks. On August 2, Oman agreed to a compromise routing but demanded confirmation that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps backs the agreement.
Neither the Omani nor Iranian government has officially commented on the latest reported proposal. The skepticism expressed by the reporting channel underscores doubts about the plan's viability, and it remains unclear whether the IRGC will ultimately endorse the arrangement.
5 developments
- DevelopingReport: Iran drawing up plan for post-closure Strait of Hormuz reopening
- StrongOman agrees to Hormuz compromise routing, demands IRGC support for Araghchi agreement
- StrongOmani mediators optimistic for Strait of Hormuz breakthrough in coming days, Bloomberg reports
- ConfirmedOman submits proposal to Iran on Strait of Hormuz administration with voluntary transit fees
Source and signal
- Open-source intake