Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Strait of Hormuz from the Omani side without risk of attack, based on proposals it has tabled in negotiations with the US, if an agreement is reached to prevent a resurgence of the conflict, a source briefed by Tehran said today.
The source, who asked not to be named because the issue is “sensitive”, said Iran would be willing to allow ships to use the other side of the strait, in Omani waters, without being obstructed by Tehran. The source did not specify whether Iran would also agree to remove any mines it may have planted in that part of the sea or whether all ships – even those linked to Israel – would be allowed free passage.
However, according to an exclusive Reuters report, the source added that the proposal depended on whether Washington was ready to meet Tehran’s demands.
The war led to the biggest ever disruption to global oil and gas supplies because it halted maritime transport in Hormuz, through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil and LNG flows pass. Hundreds of tankers and other ships, as well as 20,000 sailors, remain stranded inside the Gulf since the war began on February 28.
