Iran and Oman Reach Mutual Understanding on Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route

Key facts

• Iran and Oman have reached a mutual understanding on the geographic coordinates of a proposed shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
• The understanding is part of a temporary arrangement where Iran would oversee inbound shipping and Oman would oversee outbound traffic.
• The Strait of Hormuz carries roughly a quarter of global seaborne oil trade and about a fifth of liquefied natural gas shipments.
• The talks follow months of heightened Gulf tensions due to the US-Israel-Iran war, with shipping disrupted since March 2026.
• Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that negotiations were constructive and a joint announcement is being prepared.
• The agreement is still in final review and drafting stages, with operational details remaining under discussion.
• Oman has historically played a regional mediator role, maintaining relations with both Iran and Western governments.
• The deal does not guarantee maritime security and is not seen as a final settlement of the Hormuz crisis.