Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz as part of proposals it has offered in negotiations with the United States, a source briefed by Tehran said, provided a broader deal is reached to prevent renewed conflict.

War Disrupts Global Energy Flows

The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has triggered the largest-ever disruption to global oil and gas supplies after Tehran interrupted traffic through the strait, which handles about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows. Hundreds of tankers and other vessels, along with around 20,000 seafarers, have been stranded in the Gulf since the war began on February 28.

A two-week ceasefire came into effect on April 8, and U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the war was close to ending. However, control over the Strait of Hormuz remains a key issue in ongoing negotiations.

Omani Route Under Consideration

The source said Iran may allow ships to pass through Omani waters without interference, offering a potential route to ease congestion in the strait. However, it remains unclear whether Tehran would agree to clear any mines it may have placed in the area or allow all vessels, including those linked to Israel, to transit freely. The proposal depends on whether Washington is willing to meet Iran’s demands, which remain central to any potential breakthrough.

Limited Response from Washington

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment, and Iran’s foreign ministry was also unavailable. A Western security source said the idea of allowing ships to pass through Omani waters had been under discussion, though it was not clear whether the United States had responded.

Strategic Importance of the Strait

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway about 34 km wide between Iran and Oman, connects the Gulf to the Indian Ocean and is a critical route for global energy supplies as well as goods such as fertilisers.

Shift from Hardline Measures

The proposal would mark a shift from more aggressive measures floated by Tehran in recent weeks, including imposing tolls on ships and asserting sovereignty over the strait. Such steps were widely criticised by the global shipping industry as breaches of maritime conventions.

Member states of the U.N.’s International Maritime Organization, meeting in London this week, have pushed back against the idea of tolls, warning that such a move would set a dangerous precedent.

Towards Restoring Navigation Norms

Iran’s proposal could represent the first step towards restoring the long-standing status quo in the strait, where navigation has continued for decades despite periodic seizures of vessels by Tehran. A two-way traffic separation system, established in 1968 with agreement from regional countries, currently divides shipping lanes between Iranian and Omani waters.

Meanwhile, the United States has imposed a blockade on oil shipments leaving Iranian ports, and overall maritime traffic has remained subdued since late February.

(with inputs from Reuters)