Iran and Oman agree navigational map for the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran says
Iran says it and Oman have mapped out navigation plans for the Strait of Hormuz and will set monitoring and service mechanisms — Tehran conditions transit on terms it sets.
Tehran says it and Oman have agreed on a navigational map for the Strait of Hormuz and are now ironing out technical details, the spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmail Baghaei, told reporters. The announcement frames the talks as bilateral efforts to define safe shipping corridors in the strategically vital waterway. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/6587f90f2ab5beec373ce5fabf637541?utm_source=openai))
Baghaei said Tehran will permit transit only under conditions set by Iran, and described the negotiations with Oman as "constructive and positive," aimed at "establishing the direction of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz." The two sides are also discussing mine removal and other measures that affect both littoral states. ([tasnimnews.ir](https://www.tasnimnews.ir/en/news/2026/05/18/3593906/iran-in-contact-with-oman-on-hormuz-mechanism-spokesman?utm_source=openai))
Monitoring, services and fees
According to Iran’s spokesman, mechanisms will be created to monitor ship movements and to provide services along the route. On the question of payments, Baghaei said: "It is natural to charge fees." He indicated Tehran expects compensation or charges for services related to managing transit. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/ecdbd96f2b46c70beb5926d8508f9c55?utm_source=openai))
Baghaei also criticized passage on a southern route through the waterway as "illegal and unsafe," saying it contradicted the memorandum of understanding that Iran and the United States signed in June. He framed the issue of security in the strait as a bilateral matter for Iran and Oman to resolve. ([tasnimnews.ir](https://www.tasnimnews.ir/en/news/2026/04/06/3558541/hostile-ships-barred-from-hormuz-strait-iranian-spokesman?utm_source=openai))
Tehran reiterated that the strait will remain insecure while, in its view, an "aggressive American maritime blockade" continues; Baghaei said Iran remains in a state of military readiness while that blockade endures. Oman has described talks as ongoing in a positive atmosphere and both capitals have issued statements signalling cooperation on keeping the strait open to international navigation. ([apnews.com](https://apnews.com/article/6587f90f2ab5beec373ce5fabf637541?utm_source=openai))
Photo: press material from the event
