Strait of Hormuz Ship Traffic Surges 70% as Iran and Oman Begin Joint Talks on Maritime Framework

Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has increased significantly following diplomatic talks between Iran and Oman, according to maritime tracking data. The two countries have established a Joint Hormuz Committee to develop a framework for managing the strategic waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world's oil passes.

Data from Lloyd's List Intelligence shows that vessel transits rose by 70% in the week of June 22-28 compared to the previous week, from around 130 to more than 240. Nearly all of the increase occurred along the southern Omani route, involving ships not connected to Iran. This suggests shippers are seeking alternative paths amid ongoing regional tensions.

The diplomatic efforts follow recent incidents, including an Iranian drone attack on a ship transiting through the Omani route. Iran had stated that its role in managing the strait was not being adequately recognized. However, both sides have since engaged in dialogue. On June 25, the foreign ministers of Iran and Oman held a phone call and agreed to advance talks. On June 29, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi met with Oman's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Al Hinai in Muscat for the first meeting of the Joint Hormuz Committee. Gharibabadi posted on social media that they discussed future management of the strait and the sovereignty of coastal states.

Under the recent memorandum of understanding, traffic through the strait will be toll-free for 60 days, after which a mutually agreed framework must be established. Iran has indicated a preference for tolls, while Oman signed a Gulf Cooperation Council statement opposing them. Historically, in 1968, the two countries proposed inbound and outbound channels with a buffer zone in the middle of the strait, a norm later accepted by the International Maritime Organization—though no agreement on sovereignty, tolls, or governance was reached at that time. Iran has stated that it has mined these channels during the current conflict, though this claim has not been independently verified.

Meanwhile, four Indian ships that had applied for permission from both nations to transit remain anchored inside the Persian Gulf, according to marinetraffic.com. The situation remains fluid as the Joint Hormuz Committee continues its work.