Iran may allow commercial vessels to pass safely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz as part of proposals under discussion with the United States, according to a source familiar with Tehran’s position.
The move is conditional on reaching a broader agreement aimed at preventing renewed conflict.
The recent U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has triggered the most severe disruption to global oil and gas supplies in history, largely due to Iran’s interference with maritime traffic through the strait—a critical route that carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on February 28, hundreds of tankers and vessels, along with around 20,000 seafarers, have been stranded in the Gulf. Although a two-week ceasefire began on April 8, and U.S. President Donald Trump indicated the conflict may be nearing its end, control over the strait remains a central issue in negotiations.
The source noted that Iran could permit ships to transit through Omani territorial waters without interference. However, it remains unclear whether Tehran would remove any naval mines in the area or allow unrestricted passage for all vessels, including those with links to Israel.
The proposal depends heavily on whether Washington is willing to meet Iran’s demands, a key factor in achieving any breakthrough. Neither the White House nor Iran’s Foreign Ministry has issued an official response.
A Western security official confirmed that discussions around facilitating unhindered passage via Omani waters have been ongoing, though it is uncertain whether the U.S. has formally responded.
The Strait of Hormuz, only about 34 kilometers wide at its narrowest point, serves as a vital corridor connecting the Gulf to the Indian Ocean and is essential for global energy supplies and trade.
Iran’s latest proposal signals a potential shift away from more aggressive measures previously suggested, such as imposing transit fees or asserting unilateral control over the waterway—steps widely criticized by the global shipping community as violations of international maritime norms.
Members of the International Maritime Organization have already opposed any attempt to levy tolls on vessels using the strait, warning that such actions would set a dangerous global precedent.
The current navigation system in the strait, based on a two-way traffic separation scheme established in 1968 under UN guidance, divides shipping lanes between Iranian and Omani waters and has largely ensured smooth passage despite occasional tensions.
Meanwhile, the United States has recently imposed a blockade on Iranian oil exports, and overall shipping activity in the region has remained significantly reduced since late February.
