US–Israel–Iran War Latest News: Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack as part of proposals it has offered in negotiations with the United States, providing a deal is clinched to prevent renewed conflict, a source briefed by Tehran said as per Reuters. The proposal would be the first visible step by Tehran to pull back from more combative ideas floated in recent weeks, which included charging ships for passage and imposing sovereignty on the strait.
The source, who declined to be identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, said Iran could be willing to let ships use the other side of the narrow strait in Omani waters without any hindrance from Tehran. The source did not say whether Iran would also agree to clear any mines it may have placed in that stretch of water or if all ships—even those linked to Israel—would be allowed to pass freely.
What Is the Two-Way Traffic Scheme?
The strait, a strip of water only 34 km (21 miles) wide between Iran and Oman, provides passage from the Gulf to the Indian Ocean. A so-called two-way traffic separation scheme, adopted by the UN’s shipping agency in 1968 with the agreement of countries in the region, created the current ship routing system that splits sailing corridors through Iranian and Omani waters.
Iran’s proposal would be the first move towards restoring the status quo on sailing through the strait, which had been in place for decades despite periodic seizures of ships by Iran.
What Happened to Iran’s Toll Proposal?
Member countries of the UN’s International Maritime Organization agency meeting in London this week pushed back on the idea of a toll being imposed by Iran for ships using the strait, which the IMO has said would “set a dangerous precedent.” The proposal to let ships pass through Omani waters unhindered represents a significant retreat from that position.
What Is the Current Situation in the Gulf?
The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has resulted in the largest-ever disruption of global oil and gas supplies due to Iran’s interruption of traffic through the strait, which handles about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Hundreds of tankers and other ships and 20,000 seafarers have been stuck inside the Gulf since the war began on February 28.
The U.S. imposed a blockade on oil ships leaving Iranian ports on Monday, and broader shipping traffic has remained muted since February 28. A two-week ceasefire came into effect on April 8, and President Trump said on Wednesday the war was close to over, but control over the strait remains a key issue in negotiations.
What Are the Conditions for the Proposal?
The source added that the proposal hinged on whether Washington was prepared to meet Tehran’s demands, a condition that was central to any potential breakthrough. A Western security source said the proposal to let ships pass through Omani waters unhindered had been in the works, although it was not clear if there had been any response from Washington yet.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Iran’s Foreign Ministry was not immediately available to comment.
What Would This Mean for Global Shipping?
If implemented, the proposal would allow hundreds of stranded tankers and other vessels to exit the Gulf. It would also restore the pre-war traffic pattern that had been in place for decades, potentially easing global energy prices that have soared above $100 per barrel.
However, the source did not clarify whether Iran would clear mines from Omani waters or whether Israeli-linked ships would be allowed passage. These details would likely be critical to any final agreement.
FAQs: Iran’s Hormuz Proposal
Q: What is Iran offering?
A: To let ships sail freely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack.
Q: What is the two-way traffic scheme?
A: A UN-adopted system from 1968 that splits sailing corridors through Iranian and Omani waters.
Q: Did Iran previously propose tolls?
A: Yes. The IMO rejected that idea this week as a “dangerous precedent.”
Q: How many ships are stuck in the Gulf?
A: Hundreds of tankers and 20,000 seafarers have been stranded since February 28.
Q: What is the condition for this proposal?
A: It hinges on whether Washington meets Tehran’s demands.
Q: Is the ceasefire still in place?
A: Yes, a two-week ceasefire came into effect on April 8, but control of the strait remains a key issue.
Disclaimer: This information is based on inputs from news agency reports. TSG does not independently confirm the information provided by the relevant sources.
