Iran and Oman Discuss Seven-Mile Strait of Hormuz Corridor and Demining Plan

Ministerial talks in Tehran

On 25 August 2026, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi arrived in Tehran to hold talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding the future management of the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions resulted in an agreement on a proposed phased framework designed to restore commercial maritime traffic through the contested chokepoint. Under this arrangement, both governments intend to establish a shared temporary shipping corridor and initiate a coordinated demining operation across the passage. Oman's Foreign Ministry stated that technical teams will continue negotiations to define navigation services, maritime security protocols, and long-term management structures. Araghchi confirmed the diplomatic initiative in a public statement following the bilateral session.

Iran's commitment to peace and stability is matched by firm diplomacy with our neighbors. In talks with Pakistani and Omani guests, regional solutions were emphasized. The proposed framework for a new corridor, joint demining and future management of Hormuz is a prime example.

Corridor dimensions and Iranian control

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi outlined the technical details of the proposed passage in a television broadcast following the meeting. Gharibabadi stated that Muscat and Tehran conducted direct negotiations over the preceding 40 days to draft the alternative corridor. The plan specifies a navigation lane seven miles (11 kilometers) wide, designed to redirect traffic relative to the previous transit path. The entry point of the corridor and a portion of its exit route will run through Iranian territorial waters. Gharibabadi rejected claims that commercial vessels were currently navigating the strait, asserting that the passage remains shut and under Iranian authority.

America and other countries should know that the Strait of Hormuz will not open except through Iranian arrangements.

Strategic dispute and regional diplomacy

The bilateral framework develops as the United States pursues economic isolation measures against Iran through Operation Economic Pariah, with Donald Trump asserting American control over the waterway. Gharibabadi noted that Iran remains in a state of war, which prevents the application of standard maritime conventions in the strait. Iranian officials conveyed this position directly to regional counterparts from Pakistan, Oman, and Qatar during recent diplomatic contacts. Gharibabadi added that implementing the new lane involves closing the southern route that the United States opened under Omani pressure. Tehran maintains that control over the passage remains inseparable from its national security interests.

Conditions for a permanent framework

Albusaidi stated on social media that Oman hopes to announce practical arrangements soon to re-establish secure passage through the strait. The Omani foreign minister emphasized that any permanent resolution must build upon the preliminary protocol signed between Tehran and Washington in June 2026, which later collapsed. Iran continues to cite that earlier agreement during diplomatic contacts regarding long-term waterway security. Both governments confirmed that technical delegates will continue drafting operational procedures for the joint demining mission before commercial vessels receive clearance to use the 11-kilometer corridor.