Iran and Oman have moved towards creating a temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and jointly clearing mines from the strategic waterway, opening a new diplomatic channel as commercial traffic remains severely constrained and pressure mounts to stabilise Gulf energy routes.Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi discussed a phased framework during talks in Tehran that would establish a temporary navigational corridor, launch coordinated mine-clearing operations and prepare the ground for negotiations on a permanent system for managing shipping through the strait.
The discussions mark one of the clearest signs of movement over the waterway after weeks of military tension, interrupted shipping and failed efforts to secure a broader agreement between Tehran and Washington. Technical negotiations between Iran and Oman are expected to continue before any temporary corridor becomes fully operational.
The proposed arrangement would also cover information sharing, vessel traffic management and navigational and security services. Iran and Oman control opposite shores of the Strait of Hormuz, giving both countries a central role in any long-term framework governing passage through one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints.
Iran has nevertheless stopped short of agreeing to a full reopening of the strait. Tehran has linked unrestricted commercial passage to changes in US policy, including sanctions relief and the removal of restrictions affecting Iranian ports and shipping. That position leaves major uncertainties over how much traffic a temporary corridor could accommodate.
Shipping activity remains far below normal levels. Preliminary vessel-tracking data showed only five commodity vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, compared with a 10-day average of about 15. Four vessels made the passage on Monday. Ships switching off tracking equipment for security reasons may mean the actual number is higher, but available data continue to indicate sharply reduced flows.
The disruption has particular significance for global energy markets because the strait connects Gulf oil and gas producers with international markets. Tankers carrying crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas from the region normally rely heavily on the passage, leaving few practical alternatives when navigation is interrupted.
Mine clearance has become another point of contention. US President Donald Trump has said American forces removed or destroyed mines from international waters in the strait and warned that vessels laying new mines would be targeted. The Iran-Oman initiative nonetheless includes a separate joint demining project, suggesting that both governments see continued work as necessary before navigation can return to safer and more predictable conditions.
The diplomatic push is unfolding alongside a widening US economic campaign against Tehran. Washington has imposed sanctions on dozens of individuals, companies, vessels and networks linked to Iranian oil sales, financial activities, technology procurement and other sectors. US officials have also warned governments and financial institutions that continued dealings with Tehran could expose them to penalties.
China has rejected the threat of secondary sanctions and defended its economic relations with Iran. Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing opposed unilateral sanctions lacking authorisation under international law or from the UN Security Council and argued that economic pressure would aggravate tensions rather than resolve them.
Beijing has said its cooperation with Tehran operates within international law and should not be disrupted. China has also pledged to take measures to protect its interests if its companies or financial institutions are targeted, adding another layer of complexity to Washington's attempt to isolate Iran economically.
China remains the dominant destination for Iranian crude exports, although shipments have fallen sharply since the conflict disrupted tanker movements through Hormuz and heightened risks for vessels operating across the Gulf. Chinese buyers and shipping companies have increasingly adjusted routes and logistics as sanctions and security threats complicate energy trade.
Washington's latest sanctions package has avoided directly targeting some major Chinese financial institutions, indicating that the US administration is balancing pressure on Tehran against the risk of opening a broader economic confrontation with Beijing.
Oil markets have remained sensitive to every diplomatic signal surrounding Hormuz. Brent crude traded around $90 a barrel this week after swinging across a much wider range during the conflict, reflecting alternating expectations of disruption and diplomatic progress. Prices remain substantially above levels prevailing before the hostilities intensified.
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