Iran is in active negotiations with Oman to establish a 'single two-way route' through the Strait of Hormuz, replacing the existing multi-lane Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) with a unified intermediate corridor, according to Tehran's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei. The talks, confirmed at a briefing in Tehran on Monday, 4 August, mark the first structured diplomatic effort to reopen the strategic waterway since it was effectively closed following the February Israel-US strike on Iran.

What the Proposed Corridor Involves

According to Baqaei, the negotiations have centred on replacing the strait's separate northern and southern shipping lanes with a single intermediate corridor designed to accommodate the security and sovereignty interests of both coastal states. Under the arrangement, vessels heading into the Persian Gulf would travel along the Iranian side, while outbound ships would use the Omani side — effectively mirroring a right-hand traffic highway model, according to media reports citing unnamed officials.

The proposed corridor would function as an interim measure until Iran and Oman agree on a permanent replacement for the existing International Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS), originally adopted by the UN's International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in 1968 at the proposal of both nations. The current TSS designates two-mile-wide lanes in each direction with a two-mile separation strip between them.

Why the Strait Remains Closed

The Strait of Hormuz has been largely closed since the February 2025 Israel-US attack on Iran, with only sporadic ship movements since. Tehran has mined the strait and attacked vessels attempting to pass through, while the US has blockaded Iranian ports and fired on ships defying its directives. The IMO has advised ships to avoid the TSS altogether due to the reported presence of mines, effectively halting one of the world's most critical energy shipping arteries.

Notably, the US Navy previously attempted to escort ships along the Omani side of the strait, but those vessels came under attack and the effort was discontinued.

Washington Sidelined, Tehran Says

The talks carry significant geopolitical weight beyond their maritime dimension. Baqaei stated, citing Tasnim news wire, that no other country was involved in the Iran-Oman negotiations — a direct contradiction of claims by US President Donald Trump, who had said talks were underway with Iran on reopening the strait. The spokesperson explicitly denied US involvement.

Baqaei also said the earlier southern route through Omani waters that Washington attempted to operate 'contradicted' a June Memorandum of Understanding between the US and Iran, and raised environmental and national security concerns for Tehran.

The Fee Question and International Law

One contentious element hovering over the talks is the question of transit fees. Media reports have suggested that under the proposed arrangement, Iran could levy a service fee on ships transiting its side of the corridor — framed in a way that avoids being classified as a toll, which would conflict with international maritime law and which Trump has publicly and vehemently opposed. Baqaei reportedly sidestepped a direct question on fees at his briefing, leaving the issue unresolved.

Oman's Silence and What Comes Next

Oman's foreign ministry had neither confirmed nor denied the negotiations as of early Tuesday, 5 August. The Gulf state, which sits on the southern shore of the strait and has historically served as a back-channel between Tehran and Western powers, has not made any public statement. If an agreement is reached, it would deliver significant relief to global energy markets, which have been severely strained by the prolonged blockage of a waterway through which a substantial share of the world's oil and gas exports typically flows.