Iran and Oman Agree on Temporary Shipping Corridor in Strait of Hormuz Amid US Tensions

Iran and Oman have reached a significant agreement to establish a temporary seven-nautical-mile-wide maritime corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports on Wednesday. The deal was finalized after talks in Tehran between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. It includes a joint project to clear mines and ongoing technical discussions to manage the corridor permanently. Oman’s foreign minister expressed optimism about breaking the deadlock and hopes to soon announce practical arrangements for safe navigation.

However, Iranian officials emphasized that the Strait remains effectively closed under their control until the United States meets Iran’s conditions. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the corridor will not fully reopen unless the US lifts its maritime blockade on Iranian ports and restores permission for Iranian oil sales. Tehran also affirmed its right to self-defense despite the joint corridor initiative.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed the US Navy had completed mine clearance in international waters of the Strait and warned that any new mines laid would be destroyed immediately. The White House announced no plans for talks with Iran and signaled forthcoming additional sanctions. Trump also threatened Oman with severe retaliation if it cooperates with Iran against the US, stating he would "bomb Oman to hell." This development highlights escalating tensions as Iran and Oman assert de facto control over the strategic waterway, challenging US influence in the region.