Iran Signals Hormuz Shift, Offers Free Passage To Ships Via Oman: Report

Amid escalating tensions over Strait of Hormuz, Iran could allow ships to move safely through the Omani side of the key waterway as part of proposals in ongoing talks with the United States, news agency Reuters reported, citing a source familiar with Tehran’s position.

“Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack providing a deal is clinched,” the source said.

As per the report, Iran may permit vessels to sail through the Omani side of the narrow waterway “without risk of attack,” but only if a broader agreement is reached to prevent renewed conflict. The proposal is conditional on Washington meeting Tehran’s demands, making it a key bargaining point in the talks.

The development

comes after weeks of disruption caused by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, which severely impacted global energy supplies. The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, has seen hundreds of ships stranded and around 20,000 seafarers stuck in the Gulf since fighting began on February 28.

A ceasefire took effect on April 8, but shipping activity remains far below normal levels.

US President Donald Trump said this week the war was close to ending. Even so, the future of Hormuz remains central to negotiations.

Iran’s proposal could create a safer passage through Omani waters, offering a partial solution to the crisis. However, it is unclear whether Iran would remove any mines it may have placed in the area or whether all ships, including those linked to Israel, would be allowed to pass.

“The proposal hinged on whether Washington was prepared to meet Tehran’s demands,” the source said, underlining how fragile the idea still is.

A Western security source said the proposal to let ships pass through Omani waters unhindered had been in the works although it was not clear if there had been any response from Washington yet.

The move signals a shift from more hardline positions previously suggested by Tehran, such as charging tolls for ships or asserting unilateral control over the strait. Those ideas had raised concerns globally, with the International Maritime Organization warning they could set a dangerous precedent.

Member countries of the UN’s International Maritime Organisation agency meeting in London this week pushed back on the idea of a toll being imposed by Iran for ships using the strait, which the IMO has said would “set a dangerous precedent”.

Iran’s proposal would also be the first move towards restoring the status quo on sailing through the strait, which had been in place for decades despite periodic seizures by Iran of ships crossing the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz, just 34 km wide at its narrowest point, connects the Gulf to the Indian Ocean and remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.