Strait of Hormuz Tangle: Iran Rejects Oman's Proposal, Demands Full Control

Iran has rejected Oman's compromise proposal to regulate ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through a joint mechanism, demanding full control over shipping lanes. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi revealed that Oman proposed a temporary equal division arrangement, but Tehran rejected it, claiming it does not address national security concerns. The Iranians countered with a demand for control over one entire lane within their territorial waters, threatening that if Oman refuses, the strait will remain closed. The Omani proposal, backed by Gulf states, aimed to prevent exclusive Iranian control.

Iran has flatly rejected Oman's compromise proposal to regulate ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through a joint mechanism, demanding full control over shipping lanes. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi revealed that Oman proposed a temporary equal division arrangement, whereby one entry lane would be controlled by one state and the exit lane by the other. However, Tehran quickly dismissed the formula, arguing it does not adequately address the Islamic Republic's national security concerns. The Iranians countered with a demand that one shipping lane be entirely within their territorial waters, while the other would also partially pass through their territory. Gharibabadi explicitly threatened that if Oman rejects the proposal, the Strait of Hormuz will remain completely closed. The Omani proposal, backed by Gulf states, was designed to prevent Iran from exercising exclusive control over the strait and was based on a joint regional management mechanism and voluntary toll collection from commercial vessels. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with his counterparts from Oman and Saudi Arabia regarding diplomatic efforts to restore stability to the region.