Iran and Oman have agreed to work toward a temporary joint maritime corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a joint project to clear sea mines, as both countries seek to restore safer navigation following recent conflict-related changes in the waterway.
Joint plan targets safer navigation
The two countries have outlined a phased framework for implementing the temporary corridor and mine-clearance project. Technical discussions will continue with the aim of establishing a permanent maritime corridor and determining future arrangements for managing traffic through the strategic waterway.
The planned framework also covers the exchange of traffic information and the provision of related maritime and security services. Iran and Oman said dialogue with other Persian Gulf littoral states would be necessary and stressed that any arrangements must comply with applicable international law and respect the sovereign rights of coastal states. Oman’s Foreign Ministry has previously said the two countries are committed to safe passage through the Strait in accordance with international law.
Iranian First Vice President Mohammad-Reza Aref separately defended Tehran’s position on the waterway. According to ISNA, Aref said Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz was its “legitimate sovereign right over national assets” and described the strait as “Iranian property.” He also said Tehran was fully prepared to confront its enemies and warned that any enemy threatening Iran would regret doing so.
Oman’s Foreign Minister said he would hold discussions with regional partners to support peace, cooperation, regional stability and freedom of navigation. Citing Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum, he said Oman would in due course advance arrangements for management and a permanent solution concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
The Omani minister also said he hoped an arrangement for a temporary corridor and specific measures to restore safe navigation would be announced soon.
U.S. forces report reopening of main traffic route
Separately, the U.S. Navy said it had cleared the main Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) between Iran and Oman, reopening two-way traffic and allowing more tankers to transit. U.S. underwater drones detected more than 100 suspected mines, which U.S. forces and private contractors cleared or detonated.
Over the previous 30 days, more than 500 vessels had used the southern channel, with about 2% reportedly struck by Iranian drones or missiles, according to U.S. officials and an Axios report. The U.S. said vessels could now transit under its protection, while President Donald Trump warned that any vessel that re-mined the route would be immediately and systematically destroyed.
Iran’s Energy Exchange has also announced a special gasoline pricing mechanism. It said the latest traded price for imported super gasoline was about 90,000 rials per litre and that it would advance the issuance of oil bonds and expand energy trading. Final imported gasoline prices will include procurement costs as well as origin, shipping, demurrage, storage and transshipment custody fees.
