Oman Proposes Divided Strait of Hormuz Traffic Plan

Oman has drafted a proposal to manage traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to resolve ongoing disputes between the U.S. and Iran over the waterway's control. The plan, which is still under development, suggests dividing the strait into two distinct corridors. The southern corridor, passing through Omani territorial waters, would allow for free navigation under pre-war conditions. In contrast, the northern corridor, which runs through Iranian waters, would require prior approval from Tehran, though it would not impose tolls.

This proposed solution draws parallels to the Old Testament story of King Solomon's judgment, where a disputed infant was to be divided. The U.S. has been demanding that Iran publicly declare the strait open and cease attacks on ships, asserting that free navigation is crucial for the global economy. Iran, however, views its ability to control the strait as its primary leverage, having attacked vessels attempting to use routes outside its approved path along the Iranian coast. The U.S. has retaliated with airstrikes on Iranian sites used for drone and missile launches while defending ships using an alternate route near the Omani coast.

Weeks of U.S. military action have not fully reopened the strait, leading to a stalemate. The U.S. Navy has established a protected alternate channel by guiding and defending ships, but Iran continues to assert its authority. The proposal aims to break this deadlock by creating a system that acknowledges both parties' interests, potentially allowing for safer passage for international shipping while respecting Iran's asserted control over its territorial waters.

Iranian Foreign Minister met with his Omani counterpart in Muscat on Saturday to discuss measures for ensuring safe passage through the strait, according to CNN. Oman's foreign ministry has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the proposal. The ultimate success of any plan will depend on shipping companies and their insurers deeming the routes safe enough for transit, regardless of the political agreements in place.