Hormuz Security Plan
Oman proposes dual corridors for Strait of Hormuz, aiming for safe passage and regional stability
Key Points
Oman’s proposal envisions two corridors that are separately controlled by the country through whose waters they pass: the Southern Corridor would run through Omani waters and the Northern Corridor would run through Iranian waters, with each country managing its own route.
In Muscat, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Omani counterpart that he had exchanged views on 'appropriate mechanisms to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.'
Tasnim cited by Meaww reported that the ministers also reviewed the status of negotiations involving Iran and the United States, as well as the wider security situation in the Strait of Hormuz amid renewed tensions.
Three U.S. officials said in a briefing that the message about Hormuz arrangements was conveyed directly to Iranian officials during the discussions.
Oman has proposed a two-corridor framework for the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy transit routes, according to Times of Israel and CNN. The plan would create two separate shipping lanes — a southern corridor through Omani waters and a northern corridor through Iranian waters — with no tolls charged on either route.
The proposal has not yet been finalized, Times of Israel noted. Talks are ongoing at both working and political levels, including meetings in Muscat between top Iranian and Omani diplomats.
How the Two-Corridor Plan Would Work
Under Oman's proposal, each corridor would be managed by the country whose waters it passes through. Oman would control the southern lane. Iran would control the northern lane. TASS reported that ships using the northern corridor would need prior Iranian approval before entering. Neither route would charge tolls.
CNN, cited by Yemen Online, reported that the framework is designed to keep both routes open even if tensions escalate. The goal is to protect free navigation through one of the world's busiest chokepoints, where roughly 20% of global oil trade passes each day.
Iran and Oman Cite Islamabad MOU as Legal Basis
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met his Omani counterpart, Badr Al Busaidi, in Muscat to discuss the plan. Araghchi said the two sides exchanged views on "appropriate mechanisms to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding," according to Crypto Briefing.
The Islamabad MOU is an existing diplomatic agreement that both countries use as a legal reference point for maritime cooperation. Meaww reported that the ministers also reviewed the status of ongoing Iran-U.S. nuclear negotiations and the broader security situation in the strait.
Rising U.S.-Iran Tensions Drive the Urgency
The proposal comes as U.S.-Iran tensions remain high. Three U.S. officials said in a briefing that the message about Hormuz arrangements was conveyed directly to Iranian officials during recent talks, according to Times of Israel. Iranian and Omani officials both stressed that diplomacy is the preferred path to prevent further escalation.
Meaww noted that officials on both sides expressed hope that broader regional security agreements — including potential MOUs with the United States — could help stabilize maritime traffic. The Strait of Hormuz sits between Oman and Iran and is the only sea route out of the Persian Gulf.
Deal Still Unfinished as Talks Continue in Muscat
TASS and Times of Israel both confirmed the proposal has not been finalized. Negotiators are still working out details at the technical and political levels. Muscat has served as the main venue for talks, a role Oman often plays as a neutral broker between Iran and Western powers.
Crypto Briefing reported that the discussions reflect a shared interest in keeping the strait open. A closure or disruption there could send global oil prices sharply higher and cut off energy exports from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, and the UAE — all of which rely on the strait for oil shipments.
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