Oman and Iran propose temporary shipping lane through Strait of Hormuz

Oman and Iran have agreed on a proposed framework to resume safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The framework includes establishing a joint temporary shipping lane and a project to clear the Strait of mines, according to a joint statement. The two countries' foreign ministers discussed a phased approach, which also involves technical negotiations for a permanent solution.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway for oil and gas shipping, and Iran has exerted control over it since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East. According to US President Donald Trump, all mines have been detonated or removed from international waters of the Strait of Hormuz, and any ship or boat placing new mines will be destroyed.

The Strait of Hormuz previously carried roughly 20 million barrels of oil a day, but the US government figures show that around 10 million barrels now leave on tankers through the strait, often under US naval protection. Other routes, such as Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline and the UAE's Habshan-Fujairah line, have offset much of the loss, with oil still leaving the Gulf in large quantities.

Brief written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye, The Korea Times, Ajel English, Al-Monitor, Jerusalem Post — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.