Oman Proposes Dual Shipping Lanes in Strait of Hormuz to Ease Tensions

Oman and Iran have engaged in diplomatic talks in Muscat to establish a security framework ensuring safe maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal, reported by CNN, suggests dividing the strait into two continuous shipping lanes to reduce recent security tensions following attacks on commercial vessels in the area. The southern lane, within Omani territorial waters, would allow unrestricted navigation as before the recent conflicts. Conversely, ships using the northern lane, passing through Iranian waters, would need prior approval from Tehran, though Iran would not charge transit fees.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi visited Muscat to meet with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, discussing mechanisms to secure navigation in line with previously signed agreements. Oman's official news agency stated the talks focused on guaranteeing freedom of navigation amid recent developments, with plans to continue negotiations at professional and political levels until a comprehensive agreement is reached.

These diplomatic efforts coincide with Tehran's attempts to de-escalate tensions with the United States. Recently, Iranian officials privately conveyed to advisors of former U.S. President Donald Trump that the attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz were mistakes. They attributed the assaults to an extremist faction acting independently to disrupt negotiations and expressed a desire to continue talks toward a broader regional settlement.