Iran rejects Omani proposal to share Strait of Hormuz

Iran has formally rejected a proposal from Oman for the joint regional management of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, insisting on maintaining unilateral control over key shipping lanes. The rejection, confirmed by Iranian officials on July 29, 2026, underscores the significant diplomatic hurdles to reopening the waterway, which has been severely disrupted since the outbreak of a broader regional conflict in late February.

The Omani proposal, which had backing from other Gulf states, was modeled on the cooperative framework governing Asia's Strait of Malacca. Under that model, user nations voluntarily contribute fees to fund navigation services, environmental protection, and search-and-rescue operations. The plan was delivered to Iranian officials over the weekend and was intended to end Iran's sole control of the chokepoint, which before the conflict carried roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the Omani plan, which envisioned a 50-50 division of management and revenue, did not address Tehran's security concerns. Instead, Iran presented a counter-proposal demanding...