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Iran has rejected a proposal by Oman to establish joint regional management of the Strait of Hormuz, dealing a setback to diplomatic efforts aimed at easing months of tension over one of the world’s most strategic shipping routes.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that the proposal had “no chance of success”, insisting that Tehran would not relinquish control over key sections of the waterway despite Oman’s mediation efforts.
According to the official, the proposal—which was reportedly backed by Gulf states—called for a shared management arrangement for the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed before recent regional hostilities disrupted maritime traffic.
The official accused the United States and Saudi Arabia of pressuring Oman to promote what Tehran described as “unrealistic plans” for the strategic passage.
Iran maintained that the inbound shipping lane and part of the outbound route must remain under its control, arguing that a proposed 50-50 management arrangement with Oman would not serve the country’s national interests.
Despite rejecting the proposal, the official stressed that Iran continued to value its relationship with Oman, describing the Gulf nation as an important neighbour.
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The development came as Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed its naval forces intercepted three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz after the vessels allegedly ignored warnings and sailed through what it described as an “unsafe and illegal route.”
The IRGC also reiterated that it retained full control of the waterway and warned that what it called unlawful US military interference in the region would be met with a response.
The dispute has unfolded against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions. Oil prices climbed by more than $3 per barrel on Wednesday after fresh hostilities involving Iran, the United States and Saudi Arabia heightened fears of further disruptions to global energy supplies.
The United States and Saudi Arabia launched strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq, accusing them of carrying out drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities, an allegation Tehran denied.
Earlier this week, Reuters reported that Oman had presented Iran with a proposal modelled on the Strait of Malacca, under which vessels using the route would make voluntary contributions to support navigation, environmental protection and search-and-rescue operations.
However, Tehran’s latest rejection signals that negotiations over the future management of the Strait of Hormuz remain at an impasse.
