Iran has offered to allow ships to pass through the Omani section of the Strait of Hormuz without being attacked
Iran may allow ships to pass freely through the section of the Strait of Hormuz located in Omani waters without the risk of attack. This proposal is being discussed as part of negotiations with the US, provided an agreement is reached that would prevent the resumption of hostilities. This is reported by ThePublic, citing Reuters.
Since the start of the US and Israeli war against Iran on 28 February, traffic through the strait has been significantly restricted. The Strait of Hormuz accounts for around 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Hundreds of tankers and other vessels, as well as around 20,000 seafarers, remain in the Persian Gulf. On 8 April, the parties agreed to a two-week ceasefire. US President Donald Trump stated that the war is nearing its end, but the issue of control over the strait remains a key point in the negotiations.
According to available information, Iran is prepared to allow the use of the Omani section of the strait without interference. However, it is not specified whether the proposal involves the clearance of this section or whether it will apply to all vessels, including those linked to Israel.
The implementation of the proposal depends on the US’s willingness to agree to Tehran’s terms. The White House and the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not publicly commented on these reports.
According to Western security sources, similar proposals have been discussed previously, but Washington’s reaction is not yet known.
The Strait of Hormuz, approximately 34 kilometres wide, connects the Persian Gulf with the Indian Ocean and is one of the key routes for the supply of energy resources and other goods.
In recent weeks, Tehran has also been considering other options, including the possibility of introducing a toll for ships passing through or establishing control over the strait. Such ideas have raised concerns within the international community.
Member states of the UN International Maritime Organisation, during a meeting in London, opposed the introduction of tolls for passage through the strait, noting that this could set a dangerous precedent.
The proposed approach is seen as a possible step towards restoring the previous shipping regime, which had been in place for decades.
Meanwhile, the US has initiated a blockade of oil tankers leaving Iranian ports. Overall shipping volumes in the region remain limited.
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