Iran has offered, in talks with the United States, to allow ships to transit the Oman side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack if a broader deal is reached to prevent renewed conflict, a source briefed by Tehran said. The proposal is part of negotiations aimed at easing the region’s escalating tensions and restoring maritime movement through the strategically vital waterway.
The source, who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter, said Tehran could permit vessels to use the Omani side of the narrow strait without interference from Iranian forces. The source did not specify whether Iran would remove or clear any mines it may have placed there, nor whether vessels linked to Israel would be allowed safe passage.
The disruption has caused what officials describe as the largest-ever interruption to global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, after Iran’s actions limited traffic through the strait, which handles about 20% of the world’s oil and LNG flows. Hundreds of tankers and other ships, and roughly 20,000 seafarers, have been stuck inside the Gulf since the conflict began on February 28.
The source emphasized that Iran’s proposal depends on whether Washington is willing to meet Tehran’s demands — a condition seen as central to any breakthrough over the Strait of Hormuz. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
If implemented and coupled with mine-clearance and clear guarantees, allowing transit in Omani waters could relieve some pressure on global energy markets and reduce risk to commercial shipping, but key details and mutual assurances remain unresolved.
Original Source: https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/us-iran-israel-war-iran-may-offer-free-passage-to-ships-through-oman-side-of-strait-of-hormuz-report-middle-east-conflict-11363814#publisher=newsstand
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Publish Date: 2026-04-16 06:48:00
