Iran and Oman near deal on civilian-only shipping lanes in Hormuz
Iran's deputy foreign minister said Tehran and Oman have reached an understanding on managing commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz that would exclude military vessels. The proposed framework would route inbound ships through Iranian waters and outbound ships through both Iranian and Omani waters, but it is not yet binding. The Trump administration has voiced opposition to parts of the deal, and President Trump threatened to bomb Oman if it interferes.
The proposed framework would separate commercial and military traffic in the waterway, with inbound vessels routed entirely through Iranian territorial waters while outbound ships would split between Iranian and Omani waters. The arrangement remains non-binding pending further negotiation between the two governments.
The waterway has been largely closed for nearly six months since the Iran war began, disrupting regional commerce. Dubai International Airport reported a 31.3% decline in first-half passenger traffic compared to the prior year, with the airport sustaining minor damage from Iranian attacks. The Trump administration has objected to joint Iranian-Omani management of the exit route, and President Trump threatened military action against Oman.
A binding agreement could restore predictable commercial shipping through a waterway critical to global oil and natural gas supplies, potentially stabilizing energy markets and reducing costs for consumers worldwide. However, the exclusion of military vessels and U.S. opposition may create diplomatic friction, and the threat against Oman could destabilize regional alliances. Businesses relying on Gulf