Iran and Oman reported to discuss new Strait of Hormuz corridor for ships

Tehran and Muscat are reported to be discussing a plan to manage shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy chokepoint, according to regional officials and Iranian state media. The proposed arrangement would involve separate routes for ships entering and exiting the Persian Gulf, potentially easing tensions in the region.

Two regional officials told The Associated Press that the emerging agreement envisages ships entering the Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and leaving through a corridor managed by Oman. The details, however, are still being worked out, and no final deal has been announced.

Any agreement appears conditional on the United States lifting restrictions on Iranian ports. Iran has described these measures as a blockade, though the US administration has previously ruled out granting Iran control over the strait. The condition underscores the fragile nature of the talks, which are unfolding amid broader West Asia tensions.

An Iranian official, in comments carried by state broadcaster Press TV, said the discussions focus on establishing a new corridor to guarantee safe passage for ships. The official added that the proposed route would protect Iran's sovereign rights as a littoral state along the strait.

The reported talks come as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict between Washington and Tehran show signs of progress. On Tuesday, Qatar said that negotiations are at “very progressive stages” and that drafts of a potential agreement are “being circulated,” according to CNN. However, no official confirmation has been made by either the US or Iran.

Meanwhile, other developments in the region continue to draw attention. In Gaza City, a mass funeral was held for more than 100 people killed in an Israeli strike earlier in the conflict. In Beirut, a memorial service was held for victims of the 2020 port explosion. Yemen's Houthi group also claimed to have fired at an airport in Saudi Arabia. These incidents highlight the volatility that persists across the region.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global oil shipments, and any disruption there could affect world energy markets. Observers say that a deal between Iran and Oman, if reached and implemented, could help stabilise shipping routes and reduce the risk of a broader confrontation. At the same time, the involvement of the United States remains a decisive factor, as Tehran has insisted on the lifting of sanctions and port restrictions as a prerequisite.

For now, the details remain tentative, with officials speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations. The international community will be watching closely to see whether the two Gulf neighbours can convert these discussions into a formal agreement that holds.