Oman Proposes Dual Shipping Corridor Plan for Strait of Hormuz; Iran Seeks Further Review

MUSCAT, July 12: Oman has proposed a new plan to regulate commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz by establishing two separately managed maritime corridors, according to CNN, as regional efforts continue to safeguard navigation through the strategic waterway.

The proposal, which is still under discussion, was presented during talks in Muscat attended by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and officials from Oman and Qatar.

Under the draft plan, the Southern Corridor, located within Omani territorial waters, would remain open for unrestricted navigation under conditions similar to those before the recent regional tensions.

The Northern Corridor, which passes through Iranian territorial waters, would require vessels to obtain prior approval from Tehran, although no transit fees would be imposed, according to the report.

Meanwhile, Axios reported that Araghchi and his delegation did not approve the Omani proposal during Saturday's discussions and instead took the draft back to Tehran for further internal consultations.

The proposal remains under review, with no final agreement announced.