Iran and Oman Collaborate to Ensure Smooth Transit in Strait of Hormuz

Oman and Iran have initiated diplomatic talks to establish a framework for the smooth transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor for global energy shipments. The discussions, held at the deputy foreign minister level, aim to manage shipping traffic amid an ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran.

The Omani Foreign Ministry announced on April 5, 2026, that the meeting took place on April 4, 2026. The talks were conducted by undersecretaries from the foreign ministries of both nations and were attended by technical specialists. According to the ministry, the two sides discussed various options and proposals to ensure the passage of ships during the current regional circumstances.

Development of a Maritime Protocol

Parallel to these diplomatic meetings, Iranian officials have indicated the development of a formal agreement to oversee the strait. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, stated on April 2, 2026, that Iran is formulating a protocol with Oman to supervise maritime transit.

We are drafting a protocol for Iran and Oman to supervise transit in the Strait of Hormuz

Kazem Gharibabadi via IRNA

Gharibabadi stated that while ship movements are typically coordinated by the two coastal nations during peacetime, the current state of war necessitates different rules. He clarified that these requirements are not intended as restrictions but are meant to facilitate safe passage and provide improved services to vessels.

The Iranian official emphasized that wartime conditions cannot be governed by peacetime rules, noting that movement encounters serious disruptions when the country faces aggression.

Economic and Strategic Impact

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital artery for the global economy, with approximately 20 million barrels of oil passing through the waterway daily. The strait has been effectively closed since the start of the war on February 28, 2026, following U.S. And Israeli strikes on Iranian infrastructure.

The resulting blockade led to a historic surge in oil prices and increased shipping and insurance costs. This instability prompted various countries to seek alternative land and maritime routes to bypass the corridor.

Market reactions to the news of the Oman-Iran protocol were immediate. U.S. Stock indexes, which had been trading lower following a national address by President Donald Trump regarding the continuation of the war, turned higher after the report was released. Oil prices also eased from their daily highs as the news offered potential for the strait to reopen without the immediate need for military force.

Current Maritime Activity

Despite the ongoing tensions, some vessel movements have been recorded. On April 5, 2026, tracking data monitored by Lloyd’s List indicated that three Omani ships were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. This convoy included one liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier and two large oil supertankers.

These vessels were observed sailing unusually close to the Omani coast, positioned outside the corridor approved by Iran near Larak Island.

reports indicate that Iran has allowed Iraqi ships to utilize the strait, and a Petronas-chartered tanker carrying Iraqi crude was observed passing through the waterway.

Broader Conflict Context

The diplomatic efforts to secure the strait occur against a backdrop of escalating military action. The U.S. And Israel have ramped up attacks on Iranian infrastructure, including universities and nuclear facilities. Gharibabadi claimed that attacks on nuclear facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards violate the UN Charter and international law, calling for action from the UN Security Council.

Further tensions persist as the U.S. Continues to search for a missing service member following an incident in which Iran shot down a rescue jet.