Iran Proposes New Temporary Plan to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

On July 28, Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state television that Tehran had offered Oman a temporary scheme to resume traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Under the plan, vessels traveling in one direction would pass entirely through Iranian waters, while the opposite direction would be split, with a portion also routed through Iranian waters. Iran rejected Oman's counter-proposal for an equal division of transit routes, arguing that it failed to address Tehran’s security concerns until a broader regional stability is achieved. Gharibabadi warned that the strait would remain closed if Muscat refused the Iranian offer.

Reuters

The long-standing Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) – adopted by the International Maritime Organization and running largely along Omani waters – has been declared unusable because of mine risks. Iran has instead been using a northern route within its own waters, while Oman operates a southern route. The shift follows attacks on Iranian vessels by the United States and Israel in late February, which heightened Tehran’s demand for direct monitoring of transiting ships. Iran also signaled it would not permit any third country, even if invited by Oman, to conduct de-mining operations in the strait.

Reuters

Gharibabadi framed the proposal as a national-security measure rather than “bullying,” noting that the TSS had existed for six decades in Omani waters without objection from Iran. He emphasized that Iran’s control of the proposed routes is intended to ensure the ability to monitor vessels after recent hostile incidents. No response from the Omani government was included in the available reporting.

Reuters

• “This is for national security and not bullying because when the TSS was for 60 years in Omani waters, we didn't say anything,” — Kazem Gharibabadi, deputy foreign minister

Reuters

Kazem Gharibabadi — Deputy foreign minister of Iran, the official who presented the temporary Hormuz arrangement to Oman.

Reuters