Iran is seeking greater control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as part of discussions with Oman aimed at reopening the strategic waterway, while uncertainty continues over the prospects for renewed negotiations with the United States.
A senior Iranian source said Tehran wants oversight of all inbound shipping through the strait and visibility over outbound traffic, with the authority to intervene when necessary. Under the proposal being discussed, outbound vessels would use a route between Iran and Oman, with exit clearance issued through Oman after Iranian authorities are notified.
The source said Iran is unlikely to soften its position, adding that Tehran previously rejected an Omani proposal to equally divide shipping routes because it did not adequately address Iran’s security concerns.
The Strait of Hormuz, which carries about one-fifth of global oil shipments, has remained largely blocked since fighting between Iran, Israel and the United States escalated in late February.
Oil prices rose after reports that a commercial vessel was struck near the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting continued security risks despite comments by U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting diplomacy was underway. Iranian officials, however, denied that negotiations with Washington had resumed.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran had no intention of expanding the conflict but would continue defending its territory. Maritime sources said the damaged vessel was a dry bulk carrier whose crew abandoned ship after the attack, with one seafarer reported missing.
The dispute over the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the biggest obstacles to ending the conflict. Washington maintains that a previous memorandum of understanding required Iran to reopen the waterway, while Tehran argues the agreement preserved its authority over maritime traffic through the strategic passage.
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