TEHRAN: Oman and Iran discussed a proposed temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday as tensions over the strategic waterway remained high following the recent Iran war. The plan aimed at helping commercial vessels safely pass through one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the proposal during a meeting in Tehran, according to the reports. The two ministers held what the statement described as “constructive” talks on developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran also conveyed its position on the strait to Washington through Pakistan’s Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. Iran’s negotiating team said Munir’s visit was intended to communicate Tehran’s position and help create conditions for possible talks, rather than deliver a threat.
The Sultanate of #Oman and the Islamic Republic of #Iran discuss a proposed framework that includes the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of #Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines.… pic.twitter.com/HxmXptc6HN
— Oman News Agency (@ONA_eng) August 25, 2026
Iran wants the United States to return to an Islamabad memorandum of understanding and implement its provisions. Tehran has specifically called for Article 5 to be carried out.
The provision requires Iran to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels through the strait and consult Oman on its future management and maritime services.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that mines had been removed or destroyed in international waters of the Strait of Hormuz. He warned Iran against placing new mines, saying any vessel involved would face immediate U.S. military action.
Trump also said the United States was closely monitoring the waterway and maintained a “zero tolerance” policy toward new mine placements.
The developments came as Washington increased economic pressure on Tehran. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced expanded sanctions targeting Iran, saying the measures were designed to weaken the country’s financial lifelines.
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 25, 2026
Iran has vowed to respond to the new sanctions and said major trading partners would resist U.S. pressure. China also criticized the sanctions, urging Washington to avoid further escalation and return to negotiations.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth separately said Washington had not ruled out additional military strikes against Iran if necessary. He said the United States could take military action around the Strait of Hormuz or elsewhere in Iran.
Qatar, meanwhile, called the U.S. sanctions unilateral and said it supported diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. Gulf states were also coordinating plans to respond to possible regional escalation.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping route, particularly for oil and gas exports from the Gulf. Any prolonged disruption could affect international energy supplies, shipping costs and global markets.
