Iran Seeks Control Over Hormuz Navigation Within Joint Plan with Oman

Tehran is currently seeking to establish mechanisms to control the entry routes for maritime traffic into the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and to monitor departures with the possibility of intervention when necessary. This comes as part of a plan under discussion with the Sultanate of Oman. A senior Iranian official familiar with the talks revealed that this "general idea is currently under discussion," explaining that the vessel departure route would be shared between Iran and Oman, and that Muscat would grant exit permits after prior notification from Tehran. The official indicated that "Tehran is unlikely to change its stance" regarding this initiative. These developments follow an earlier announcement by the spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs that Tehran and Muscat are nearing an agreement on a new maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, separate from existing navigation channels. The spokesperson, Ismail Baqaei, stated in an interview with state television that "the discussions aim to reach an understanding on a mutually acceptable route, which is neither the northern nor the southern path, but one that respects the sovereign rights of both sides and preserves our national interests and security." Although the full details of the new route remain unclear, the Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway through which approximately 20% of global oil consumption passes under normal circumstances. It represents a point of contention between Iran and the United States, both of whom assert control over it. Iran's official news agency had previously quoted Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirming that negotiations with Oman, the other country bordering the Strait, "are progressing towards completion and are in their final stages."