Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Iran, Oman Near Deal on New Hormuz Transit Route
Iran and Oman are talking about a new way for ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.
The new path would not use the old northern or southern routes.
Iran says the new route will protect its rights and keep its security safe.
The talks are almost finished.
Iran also says the United States caused the strait to close.
Iran and Oman are close to finalizing a new transit route through the Strait of Hormuz that avoids the existing northern and southern corridors.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said the route would respect both countries' sovereign rights and safeguard Iran’s national interests.
The new route negotiations are separate from any decision to open or close the Strait of Hormuz, according to Baqaei.
Baqaei blamed the United States for the strait’s closure, citing a naval blockade and other hostile measures.
Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed the talks were in the final stages and Iran had rejected a 50/50 “Malacca Model” transit plan.
- Who
- Iran and Oman, represented by Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei
- What
- Negotiating a new maritime transit route through the Strait of Hormuz that is neither the existing northern nor southern corridor
- When
- July 2024
- Where
- Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman
- Why
- To create a route that respects both countries' sovereignty and Iran's security interests, separate from decisions to open or close the strait
- Negotiating parties
- Iran and Oman
- New route
- neither northern nor southern corridor
- Status
- final stages
- Key spokesperson
- Esmaeil Baqaei
- Key minister
- Seyed Abbas Araghchi
- US involvement
- blamed for closure
- Strait of Hormuz
- strategic waterway for 20% global oil
