Oman last week proposed a Malacca Strait‑style joint regional management
mechanism for navigation safety in the Strait of Hormuz, funded by voluntary
levies on shipping companies; Iran rejected the proposal. Oman also proposed
splitting the channel evenly between Iranian and Omani territorial waters so
vessels enter on one side and exit on the other; Iran rejected that plan and
counter‑proposed that Iran manage its side while Oman manage only part of the
opposite channel — a structure that would effectively allow Iran to control
traffic on both inbound and outbound lanes. Iranian foreign minister Araghchi
said talks with Oman are in their final stages to design a route that respects
both countries' sovereignty; foreign ministry spokesman Baghaei said Tehran
seeks an acceptable route (neither the northern nor southern lane) to safeguard
Iran’s national interests and security and is working with Oman to open a
temporary security corridor. Oman has not publicly responded.
