Muscat – Oman and Iran have proposed establishing a temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and launching a joint project to clear mines from the strategic waterway, marking the clearest move yet towards restoring safe shipping following the recent war.

The proposals form part of a phased framework discussed during consultations in Tehran on Tuesday between H E Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Foreign Minister, and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, according to a joint statement.

The two sides said the framework could provide a “practical and implementable basis” for moving forward while preserving the sovereignty and sovereign rights of both countries.

Under the proposal, Oman and Iran would first establish a temporary navigational corridor through Hormuz and work together on clearing mines from the strait.

Technical negotiations would then continue towards agreeing on a permanent navigational corridor, as well as its future administration.

The discussions would also cover mechanisms for sharing information, traffic management and the provision of navigational and security services.

The joint statement said the consultations focused on the importance both countries attach to resuming safe navigation through Hormuz in light of the situation created by the recent war and its “tragic repercussions”.

H E Sayyid Badr and Araghchi also stressed the importance of holding discussions with other regional states bordering Gulf waters, indicating that any longer-term arrangement could require wider consultation.

Both countries reaffirmed the need to uphold applicable international law while respecting the sovereign rights of coastal states.