Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening Strait of Hormuz .. and a “Shipping Corridor” with Oman

Al-Taj News – Iranian Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei said Thursday that mediators had asked Tehran to specify its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, noting that Iran is working on preparing a list of these conditions, including ending the war in the region.

Rezaei added that Iran had agreed with the Sultanate of Oman to establish a shipping corridor through the strait, part of which would be in Iranian waters and the other part in Omani waters. He explained that ships could pass through a designated channel in the middle of the strait if the United States responds to the Iranian conditions.

Rezaei’s remarks coincided with Qatari-Iranian talks that addressed freedom of navigation in the strait. On Thursday, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on developments in the region and efforts aimed at de-escalation and creating suitable conditions for dialogue.

The two sides discussed a proposed phased framework that includes establishing a temporary joint shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, in addition to implementing a joint project to clear the strait of mines.

Al Thani stressed the need to respect the sovereignty of neighboring countries and freedom of navigation, emphasizing the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to reduce escalation and address disputes through dialogue. Araghchi, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation to Qatar and its diplomatic efforts aimed at supporting dialogue and de-escalation.

These moves come at a time when the United States is intensifying its economic pressure on Iran, while expanding the scope of secondary sanctions that can be imposed on entities and countries maintaining trade relations with Tehran.

Washington and Tehran had signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18, 2026, concerning freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, paving the way for reaching a final agreement. However, its implementation stalled amid disputes over the security of the strait.

The region has witnessed reciprocal military escalation in recent months, before talks resumed on securing safe passage for ships through the strait, while Iran warned that any naval blockade of its ports would undermine the memorandum of understanding.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime passages and represents a major artery for global energy trade, making ensuring freedom of navigation through it a key focus of diplomatic efforts aimed at containing escalation in the region.

Source: Reuters