Iran and Oman have initiated diplomatic efforts regarding transit through the Strait of Hormuz, showing early signs of diplomatic engagement amid the blockade crisis at this critical global energy chokepoint.
According to a disclosure by Oman's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, April 5, the two sides held vice-ministerial level talks to discuss multiple potential measures aimed at ensuring the smooth passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Expert teams also attended the meeting and submitted specific proposals.
Meanwhile, tracking data from Lloyd’s List indicated that on Sunday, three Omani vessels navigated through the strait outside the "permitted corridor" designated by Iran, closely following Oman's coastline—an unusual movement since the crisis began.
The Strait of Hormuz is currently effectively blockaded, causing significant volatility in energy markets and forcing oil and gas importing nations to seek alternative supply channels. Over the weekend, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a strongly worded statement on social media, warning that if the strait is not reopened by Monday, the U.S. will take decisive action.
Oman is mediating the talks, and both sides have begun vice-ministerial consultations.
In a post on platform X on Sunday, Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the talks took place on Saturday at the level of vice-ministers of foreign affairs, with professional experts from both sides in attendance.
The ministry noted that the discussions centered on "various possible options to ensure the smooth transit of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz under the current regional circumstances." Experts from both sides presented several ideas and recommendations, which will be studied further.
Prior to this meeting, an Iranian official stated last Thursday that Iran and Oman were drafting a regulatory agreement for strait traffic, indicating some progress in bilateral engagement on the issue.
Some vessels have been permitted to pass, but over 3,000 remain stranded.
The Strait of Hormuz crisis originated from U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28. Since then, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has imposed strict controls over the strait as a countermeasure.
To date, certain vessels linked to Pakistan, France, and Turkey have been allowed to pass. However, approximately 3,000 other vessels remain stranded, unable to transit this crucial node for global energy transport.
According to Lloyd’s List tracking data, three Omani vessels—including two very large crude carriers and one liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier—were transiting the strait on Sunday. Their route lay outside the "permitted corridor" near Larak Island designated by Iran and unusually close to Oman’s coastline.
Diplomatic efforts are advancing on multiple fronts, but room for negotiation remains limited.
Beyond Oman’s mediation, regional diplomatic efforts are also progressing along several lines.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held separate phone calls with U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and regional counterparts, including Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to exchange views on de-escalation options.
However, analysts remain cautious about the prospects for a diplomatic resolution. Amin Saikal, emeritus professor at the Australian National University, told Al Jazeera that if the conflict escalates further, "it will be a nightmare for the entire region," emphasizing that a solution must be reached through negotiation.
Saikal also pointed out that "the window for a diplomatic solution is extremely narrow at the moment, unless President Trump determines that the conflict has caused enough trouble domestically and internationally, making it necessary to seek compromise with Iran."
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