The latest
Iran and Oman are continuing negotiations on an agreement to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz following meetings between officials from both countries in Tehran. Mediators hope to announce progress within days, although an agreement is not guaranteed.
One option would reopen the strait’s “middle passage,” a route largely avoided by vessels since the conflict began in late February. Ships have instead used either a northern route close to Iran’s coast or a southern corridor near Oman’s Musandam exclave.
The middle passage may contain sea mines placed by Iran, according to people familiar with the matter, meaning it would have to be cleared before regular shipping resumes. The UK, France and other European countries have offered to lead demining efforts once conditions are considered safe.
Details
- Coastal states: Iran and Oman are leading the discussions as the two countries whose territories directly border the strait.
- Middle passage: The proposed route lies between the corridor near Iran and the southern passage alongside Musandam.
- Mine risk: Sources believe Iranian mines may be present, but their number and locations have not been officially disclosed.
- European mission: The UK, France and other nations have offered to lead demining operations once they can be conducted safely.
- Maritime summit: The US defense secretary is pressing Britain to host an early meeting on protecting shipping through the strait.
- Wider mediation: Qatar, Pakistan and Egypt are involved alongside Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
- Key obstacle: Shipping arrangements in Hormuz have become the main barrier to renewed peace negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
- Previous deal: A mid-June truce collapsed after Iran attacked tankers it said had entered the strait without permission, prompting daily US airstrikes.
Between the lines
The middle passage has evolved from a shipping issue into a potential key to ending the confrontation. Reopening it requires addressing the physical danger posed by mines while resolving the dispute over Iran’s sovereignty claims and control of vessel movements.
What to watch
Attention will focus on a possible Omani announcement of progress, followed by safety inspections and decisions over who will clear mines and protect vessels. The success of those steps will determine whether Washington and Tehran can return to broader negotiations on ending the war.
