Iran demands inbound control of Hormuz and outbound oversight, source says

Iran wants control over inbound shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and oversight of outbound traffic under a temporary arrangement being discussed with Oman to reopen the strategic waterway, according to a senior Iranian source familiar with the negotiations.

The source said the proposal would require vessels entering the strait to pass through Iranian-controlled routes, while outbound ships would use a channel between Iran and Oman, with Oman granting exit clearance after notifying Tehran.

According to the source, Tehran is unlikely to change its position, arguing that it has already shown flexibility by dropping its initial demand for full control over shipping in both directions through the strait.

Last month, Iran rejected an Omani proposal for an equal division of transit routes, insisting that it failed to address the country’s security concerns until long-term regional stability is achieved.

Control of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies and other vital goods pass, remains one of the major sticking points in efforts to end the US-Israeli war with Iran.

The waterway has remained largely blocked since the conflict began in late February, with Washington maintaining that a June memorandum of understanding required Iran to reopen the route, while Tehran argues the agreement preserved its authority over shipping traffic.

Before the war, vessels moved freely through the strait, which lies within the territorial waters of both Iran and Oman but is generally recognised as an international waterway under a two-way traffic separation scheme adopted by the United Nations’ shipping agency in 1968.

The 34-kilometre-wide waterway links the Gulf to the Indian Ocean and serves as a vital route for global oil exports, fertilisers and other essential goods.

Credit: Reuters