Iran and Oman appear close to finalizing new navigation arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz, but Tehran says any reopening must operate under a new post-war security framework rather than restore the previous order.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said both sides had agreed on the geographical coordinates of proposed transit routes and were preparing a joint statement. He warned, however, that the technical understanding alone would not guarantee safe passage while the United States maintains what Tehran describes as a naval blockade and other hostile measures.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the proposed arrangement could remain in place for two to four months. Iranian officials also insist that Washington must implement commitments under the Islamabad memorandum before normal shipping can resume.
Tehran’s position goes beyond reopening the waterway. Members of Iran’s negotiating team say the future transit regime should place security, mine clearance, maritime services and traffic management under Iranian control. Officials have repeatedly declared that conditions in the Strait will not return to those that existed before the war.
Iranian lawmakers and hardline commentators have reinforced that message, rejecting any shipping corridor imposed by the United States and arguing that Iran must remain the primary authority governing the strategic passage.
Oman’s talks with Iran therefore remain technical and preliminary. Wider disputes over sanctions, frozen Iranian assets, maritime security and Washington’s regional military presence must still be resolved before a durable agreement can fully restore commercial traffic through the Strait.
