Iran seeks control over Hormuz Strait traffic in Omani talks

This proposal signifies a degree of flexibility from Tehran, which had previously demanded full control over traffic in both directions. The source indicated that Iran is unlikely to alter its stance, having already moved from its initial, more stringent position. Last month, Iran rejected an Omani proposal for an equal division of transit routes, citing security concerns and the need for long-term regional stability.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, is a critical transit point for approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supplies and other essential goods. The waterway has been largely blocked since the conflict began in late February, making its status a central point of contention. Washington maintains that a June memorandum of understanding with Tehran required Iran to reopen the strait, while Iran asserts that its authority over shipping traffic was explicitly preserved within the agreement's text.

Historically, shipping has passed freely through the strait, which lies within the territorial waters of both Iran and Oman but is generally considered an international waterway. A two-way traffic separation scheme, adopted by the UN shipping agency in 1968 with regional agreement, established the current routing system that divides sailing corridors through Iranian and Omani waters.