Iran and Oman are currently engaged in bilateral negotiations aimed at establishing new, secure shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei, the discussions are focused on creating routes for inbound and outbound vessels that uphold sovereign rights while simultaneously addressing the national security requirements of both nations. Baghaei, in remarks reported by the state-run IRNA news agency, indicated that the final details of these negotiations will be made public once the process is concluded.
Reports from two regional officials, who spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity, suggest the proposed agreement would require ships to enter the Persian Gulf via an Iranian-controlled route and depart through an Omani-controlled route. Under this plan, service fees would be levied on vessels to cover the costs of maritime security and environmental preservation. However, this proposal has faced immediate pushback from the United States.
A US official, speaking anonymously, reiterated that Washington remains committed to the status quo, asserting that no single party should possess the authority to control the lanes or dictate the terms of transit. Former President Donald Trump also voiced strong opposition to the plan during an exchange with reporters on Monday. Trump explicitly stated his rejection of any tolling system in the waterway, warning that if any party attempts to impose charges, the US would respond with its own fees.
