As Iran and Oman discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, plans are underway to introduce a new shipping route in the middle of the strait. This initiative aims to unify the previously divided northern and southern shipping lanes operated by Iran and Oman, respectively.
On August 5, Iran's state-run Press TV reported that discussions between Iran and Oman have entered a "new phase," citing a senior Iranian official who stated that the two sides are "close to an agreement." The report indicated that the current goal of the negotiations is to establish a middle corridor in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe navigation while protecting the rights of Iran, a coastal state. Sources explained that this new corridor would replace the existing northern and southern routes.
The Strait of Hormuz, which is only 34 kilometers wide at its narrowest point, was used as an international shipping route until the outbreak of war in February. Since then, it has been divided into northern and southern lanes under a bidirectional traffic separation scheme adopted by the United Nations in 1968.
However, following the outbreak of war, Iran effectively blocked the Strait and mandated that all vessels use a "new northern route" passing near Iran's Larak Island. Additionally, Iran began preparations to impose tolls on ships transiting the strait.
After a ceasefire agreement was reached between the U.S. and Iran in June, the U.S. proposed an alternative southern route along the Omani coast to ensure free passage through the Strait. Iran rejected this proposal and escalated attacks on vessels, reigniting recent conflicts.
Press TV described the middle corridor as a "practical and legal solution," asserting that it is not an act of aggression or blockade but rather a measure to prevent the Strait of Hormuz from being weaponized against Iran's territorial sovereignty. The report noted that the existing official routes have been located within Oman's territorial waters since 1968, but Iran has historically reacted sensitively to such agreements. However, the situation has fundamentally changed in the past five months due to concerns that U.S. military actions and regional allies could exploit these routes to attack Iran.
On the previous day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei stated that negotiations between Iran and Oman are progressing positively on both technical and political levels, focusing on designating safe routes for vessels transiting the Strait. He mentioned that discussions are centered on establishing a single bidirectional route instead of multiple separate lanes.
Additionally, Iran seeks control over inbound vessels and monitoring rights over outbound vessels in its discussions with Oman, according to a senior Iranian source cited by Reuters. This source indicated that the current proposal reflects the overall framework being discussed, with outbound traffic requiring prior notification and approval from Iran. The source added that Iran is unlikely to change its stance, having stepped back from its previous demand for complete control over both directions. Last month, Iran rejected Oman's proposal to equally divide the shipping routes due to security concerns.
Meanwhile, Axios reported, citing sources, that the U.S. is nearing an agreement with Iran to temporarily reopen the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days without fees. In this scenario, inbound vessels would use the northern route, while outbound vessels would utilize the southern route.
The middle corridor is expected to be operational after a 30-day mine-clearing operation, following the establishment of a permanent agreement between Oman and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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