Iran privately admits 'mistake' in Hormuz strikes as Oman proposes two-corridor solution

Diplomatic talks in Muscat over the security and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz are intensifying, with Qatari negotiators joining discussions between Iran and Oman. The core of the negotiations focuses on a possible declaration to fully open the 'central lane' in international waters for complete and free transit, according to Axios sources. The United States has demanded Iran issue a public statement by July 11, confirming the strait is open and committing to cease fire on commercial ships, warning of 'consequences' if Tehran does not comply.

Iran's private admission

American officials told CBS News that Iran has privately admitted to Trump's advisors that it was a 'mistake' to hit merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran reportedly blamed a 'group of out-of-control extremists' aiming to undermine peace negotiations and the truce. One official paraphrased the Iranian position as, 'We were wrong. We made a mistake. Let's keep talking.' Another US official added, 'If this is not Tehran's official position, it's not going to be a good day for them.'

We are definitely in a waiting-and-watching phase.

Despite the private admission, the Trump administration believes the ships were targeted for a different reason. US officials suspect Iran was caught off-guard by the speed and volume of oil and gas traffic moving through the southern route along the Omani coast, which they thought would remain open under a memorandum, prompting them to backtrack.

Oman's two-corridor proposal

Oman has proposed managing the Strait of Hormuz via two separately controlled routes, CNN reports. The southern corridor, through Omani territorial waters, would allow free navigation under pre-conflict conditions. Vessels transiting the northern corridor, through Iranian territorial waters, would require authorization from Iran. The agreement does not include any mandatory tolls. According to Axios, the Iranians will present the proposal in Tehran.

Europe is evaluating proposals that could allow tolls for navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, provided they are not mandatory and have the backing of the UN shipping agency.

British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy stated that imposing mandatory tolls would be 'disastrous,' though some government colleagues acknowledge that payment systems for specific navigation services are permissible in natural waterways, including the Strait of Malacca and the English Channel. Oman, working with British lawyers, has adapted principles from the Malacca Strait model and offered to send legal experts to Tehran to detail the plan. Oman controls most of the strait's navigable waters and opposes mandatory tolls.

Trump's threats and the broader context

The diplomatic maneuvering is unfolding amid heightened rhetoric. Donald Trump posted that 'a thousand missiles are ready to launch against the Islamic Republic, quickly followed by thousands more, if Iran should carry out its threat to assassinate the President of the United States, in this case me.' The post followed Israeli revelations of an alleged Iranian plan to kill Trump.

Meanwhile, an explosion heard in the eastern part of Tehran province was caused by the controlled disposal of munitions in the war, according to Iranian state media citing the Pasdaran. Residents of Pakdasht and Qiyamdasht had earlier reported the blast.