Iran and Oman are reportedly close to reaching an agreement to restore commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by The New York Times citing Iranian and U.S. officials.
The proposed framework would gradually reopen one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, which has faced repeated disruptions during recent U.S.-Iran hostilities.
Under the reported plan, ships entering the Persian Gulf would travel through a shipping corridor near Iran’s coastline, while outbound vessels would use a separate lane along Oman’s territorial waters.
Iranian officials told the newspaper that vessels would not pay a toll but would instead be charged a service fee to fund maritime security, environmental protection and monitoring operations. The report said the revenue would be shared equally between Iran and Oman.
A U.S. official, however, disputed that version of the proposal, saying the temporary shipping corridors under discussion would neither require authorization from Iran nor involve payments to Tehran.
The reported arrangement has raised concerns within the Pentagon. According to The New York Times, some officials believe the agreement could effectively recognize Iranian authority over an international shipping route. There are also concerns that naval mines remaining in parts of the strait could force commercial vessels to coordinate their movements with Iranian authorities.
The report said U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) continues to escort commercial shipping through the area while operating under the ongoing threat of Iranian missile attacks.
According to The New York Times, U.S. President Donald Trump has twice declined to authorize military strikes against Iranian targets that had been prepared by CENTCOM in recent weeks. The report says Trump has instead prioritized reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even if that requires accepting an arrangement that gives Iran a greater role in managing maritime traffic through the strategically important waterway.
