Oman, Iran propose joint temporary shipping lane, de-mining project in Strait of Hormuz

Iran and Oman discussed a framework today to open a temporary joint shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz, alongside a joint project to clear mines in the crucial pathway for oil and gas, according to a joint statement.

The Farsi-language statement, shared by Oman’s foreign ministry, follows a meeting between Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, in Tehran today.

“The two Ministers discussed a phased framework” that includes “the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines,” reads the statement, adding that “technical negotiations” for a permanent solution would continue between the sides.

Both ministers “also emphasized the importance of holding joint talks with neighboring countries bordering the waters of the Persian Gulf” on the matter, the statement adds.

US President Donald Trump appeared to preempt the announcement by repeating his claim that all mines in the Strait have been detonated or removed in a post on Truth Social an hour ago.

The US president has made several contradictory claims regarding whether or not mines were ever planted at all in the strait.

AFP contributed to this report.