Iran and Oman advance talks on temporary corridor to reopen Strait of Hormuz

Negotiations on a temporary maritime passage

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi arrived in Tehran on Tuesday, 25 August 2026, to conduct direct talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The two diplomats reviewed a phased framework intended to re-establish commercial transit through the waterway, which has remained largely shut down to international shipping. According to a joint statement released by the Omani foreign ministry, the proposed plan centres on the establishment of a temporary joint navigation corridor and the execution of a coordinated mine-clearing operation. Both sides stated that technical discussions will continue to determine the future management of the channel, information exchange procedures, and security arrangements. In a statement posted on social platform X following the meeting, Albusaidi said he expected the two countries to announce the temporary corridor and practical measures for safe navigation soon.

Future management of the strait and a permanent solution will follow in due course.

Littoral coordination and sovereignty terms

Throughout the discussions in Tehran, the two foreign ministers maintained that any regulatory system must protect the sovereignty of their respective nations. The framework also calls for joint consultations with other Persian Gulf littoral states to verify that maritime navigation arrangements adhere to international law. Before maritime traffic was disrupted, approximately 20% of global hydrocarbon supplies flowed through the Strait of Hormuz. Omani officials noted that a permanent settlement depends on the memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States in June 2026. Although that diplomatic agreement subsequently collapsed, Iranian officials maintain that its terms must be fulfilled before normal transit can resume.

Conflict origins and transit restrictions

The strait became impassable following the outbreak of hostilities on 28 February 2026, when the United States and Israel carried out military attacks on Iranian targets. Tehran responded by closing the channel to merchant shipping, demanding transit permits and tolls, and targeting commercial vessels that attempted to navigate without authorization. The resulting closure produced sharp increases in international energy prices, prompting the United States to impose a naval blockade on Iranian ports. While Iranian officials had previously reached an understanding with Oman in August regarding transit routes, the government in Tehran has stated that no regional framework will fully reopen the strait until the United States lifts its naval blockade.

American warnings and demining disputes

The diplomatic meetings in Tehran coincided with statements from US President Donald Trump regarding the security situation in the waterway. On Tuesday, Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that the US Navy had already removed or detonated all naval mines within the international waters of the Strait of Hormuz. He paired the claim with a direct warning directed at Iranian naval forces.

Iran has been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines will be immediately and systematically destroyed.

Trump had previously asserted that the United States held operational control over the strait, which Iranian officials denied, while also warning Oman with airstrikes if Muscat obstructed American naval actions. Iranian diplomats reaffirmed that practical navigation through the waterway cannot resume until Washington lifts its port sanctions and restrictions.