Oman Proposes Two Separately Controlled Routes in Strait of Hormuz

Oman has drafted a proposal to manage traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through two separately controlled routes. The southern corridor through Omani territorial waters would allow free navigation under prewar conditions. The northern corridor through Iranian waters would require prior approval from Tehran, with no tolls imposed.

The proposal has yet to be finalized. Iran’s foreign minister met with his Omani counterpart in Muscat on Saturday to discuss ways for ensuring safe passage in the strait. Iran insists that all traffic must receive its OK and has attacked ships attempting to cross the narrow waterway outside its approved route along the Iranian coast.

The U.S. has retaliated by bombing Iranian sites used for drone and missile strikes while defending ships following an alternate route that hugs the Omani coast. Top U.S. officials have demanded that Tehran make a public statement saying the strait is open and ships won’t be attacked.

Oman’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.