Iran and Oman near deal on new maritime route through Strait of Hormuz

August 6, 2026 — Iran and Oman are reportedly close to finalising an agreement that would create a new maritime corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian officials said on Thursday.

Iranian spokespeople said the two countries that border the strait have already agreed on the geographic coordinates for the proposed route and that a joint declaration is “practically ready.” There has been no immediate public statement from Muscat confirming the report.

What Tehran says the deal would do

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ismail Bagai, told the state news agency IRNA that the arrangement would establish a new model for regulating navigation through the channel. He also warned that the agreement by itself could not guarantee safe passage, tying maritime security to the broader situation in the region and, he said, to an American blockade and other "aggressive and threatening measures" aimed at Iran.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kassem Garibabadi confirmed to IRNA that talks are in a final stage, and stressed the pact would not amount to a full reopening of the Strait but rather a framework for maritime traffic management.

Washington has objected to any arrangement that would give Tehran wider control of shipping in the strait. Former US President Donald Trump reiterated his opposition on Monday, saying: "I will not allow them to charge tolls. If anyone is going to charge a toll, it will be us." US officials were not reported to have taken part in the negotiations.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital artery for global oil and gas exports. Before the conflict that began in late February, vessels transited the channel routinely; any shift that increases Iran’s influence over passage there would be a significant strategic gain for Tehran and would reverberate through international energy markets.

Photo: press material from the event