WSJ: Iran scuttles Oman's Strait of Hormuz equal sharing proposal

Iran has rejected an Omani proposal for equal sharing of control over shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, demanding instead that Tehran maintain dominant oversight over the strategic waterway, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing informed sources and diplomatic officials.

The exclusive report reveals that Muscat had proposed a temporary, equal-division framework between the two coastal states to safely reopen the energy chokepoint to international commercial shipping. However, Tehran turned down the 50-50 formula, insisting that the lion’s share of the maritime passage remain under Iranian authority.

The impasse has jeopardised broader diplomatic efforts and dimmed expectations for a swift resumption of negotiations between Washington and Tehran aimed at ending the wider regional conflict.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi confirmed Tehran's stance to the newspaper, stating that Iran would not proceed to the next stage of direct or indirect talks with the United States unless Oman endorsed Tehran’s proposal to place the majority of the strait under Iranian jurisdiction.

Addressing the Omani framework, Gharibabadi told Iranian state television that Muscat’s proposal "doesn't address Iran's security concerns".

"The inbound shipping lane must be entirely under Iran’s control, while part of the outbound lane may remain under Oman’s control," Gharibabadi said. "If they accept this proposal, we will move on to the next stage."

Gharibabadi warned that the vital maritime transit route—crucial for global crude oil transport—will remain closed if Muscat and international mediators reject Iran's terms.

By Tamilla Hasanova