The latest

Oman hopes soon to announce a temporary corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and practical arrangements to restore safe navigation, while President Donald Trump said the US Navy had removed or detonated all mines in the waterway’s international waters. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi said permanent management and a final solution would follow under Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum. The statements followed a Tehran meeting between the Iranian and Omani foreign ministers that ended without a navigation agreement.

Details

• Shipping lane cleared: Two US officials said the Navy cleared the Traffic Separation Scheme, the middle lane between Oman and Iran. Iran had placed dozens of mines there during the war, creating a major threat to vessels. US underwater drones scanned the area for months and identified more than 100 objects suspected of being mines. Private companies were contracted to remove or detonate them.
• Southern route active: The US military has used the southern lane near Oman’s coast to move tankers into and out of the Gulf. US officials said more than 500 ships used it in 30 days, with about 2% struck by Iranian drones or missiles. Clearing the middle lane enables simultaneous two-way traffic under US Air Force protection.
• Trump’s warning: Trump said Iran had been notified that any ship or boat placing new mines would be immediately and systematically destroyed. He declared zero tolerance for mine deployment and said the US Space Force was monitoring the entire strait, alongside Pickaxe Mountain and three other nuclear sites he described as destroyed.
• Joint framework discussed: Iran and Oman discussed a temporary joint corridor and mine clearance, alongside technical talks on a permanent navigation route and future administration. Their framework also covers information exchange, traffic management, and maritime and security services. The ministers reached no agreement in Tehran.
• Earlier deal collapsed: Iran committed to removing mines under a memorandum reached with the United States during the summer, but it unraveled before removal began. The Islamabad Memorandum also previously expired amid disagreement over who would manage the waterway, deferring permanent administration.
• Energy impact: Clearing the lane could significantly increase tanker movements and oil exports to global markets. It also reduces Iran’s leverage over energy markets and future negotiations with the Trump administration, while diminishing the draft navigation agreement Tehran and Muscat negotiated for months.

Between the lines

A temporary corridor would not reopen the entire strait. Oman has set neither coordinates nor an operating date, while US mine clearance and rising southern-channel traffic have already changed navigation conditions. The US blockade is also stopping Iranian ships from transiting.

What’s next

Oman’s next stated step is announcing the temporary corridor and safe-navigation arrangements. Technical talks will address a permanent route and future administration under Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum.

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