Oman Opens Temporary Maritime Corridor Through the Strait of Hormuz

JAKARTA - Oman announced the opening of a temporary maritime corridor for ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz as a form of responsibility for one of the most important shipping routes in the world as well as a commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation.

According to a report from the official Oman news agency, the move was made in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and in line with the results of recent efforts between the United States and Iran regarding navigation and regional stability.

The report explains that the action is based on the Sultanate of Oman's responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz and the importance of the route for the global economy, as well as in accordance with Oman's strong commitment to international law and maritime law to guarantee freedom of navigation without imposing transit fees.

"Oman has been working with the IMO to provide an option for the temporary use of maritime corridors for all ships," the report said, quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Wednesday, June 24.

The corridor will be available according to the coordinates announced by the IMO and the relevant Omani authorities. Ships wishing to use the route are required to coordinate with the international maritime body.

The announcement comes as Oman and Iran continue to consult on future navigation arrangements in the strategic waters.

Earlier on Tuesday, Muscat and Tehran announced the formation of a joint working group tasked with negotiating navigation governance in the Strait of Hormuz in the future, the maritime services to be provided, and the associated costs.

The process will be carried out in coordination with other Gulf coastal countries and in accordance with international law and the sovereignty rights of countries bordering the waterway.

Based on Article 5 of the Islamabad Understanding, Iran will hold a dialogue with Oman on the management of the Strait of Hormuz in the future and the maritime services to be provided in the region, while coordinating with other Gulf coastal countries.

According to the memorandum, Iran is also committed to exerting maximum efforts to ensure safe and cost-free navigation for commercial vessels between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman for 60 days, with commercial shipping activities to be reopened immediately.

Iran and the United States announced on June 14 that they had reached a 14-point understanding mediated by Pakistan, with the aim of ending the war and resolving various unresolved disputes through dialogue and negotiations.

The document, known as the Islamabad Understanding, came into force on June 18 after being signed electronically by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump.

The agreement includes a number of provisions related to the cessation of war, including in Lebanon, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of the United States naval blockade against Iran.