Iran offers proposal allowing ships to exit Oman side of Hormuz free of attack: Reuters

InternationalIran offers proposal allowing ships to exit Oman side of Hormuz free of attack: ReutersBy Reuters -Apr 16, 2026DUBAI: Iran could consider allowing ships to ​sail freely through the Omani side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack as part of proposals it has ‌offered in negotiations with the United States, providing a deal is clinched to prevent renewed conflict, a source briefed by Tehran said. The U.S.-Israeli war with Iran has resulted in the largest-ever disruption of global oil and gas supplies due to Iran’s interruption of traffic through the strait, which handles about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas ​flows. Hundreds of tankers and other ships and 20,000 seafarers have been stuck inside the Gulf since the war began on February 28. A ​two-week ceasefire came into effect on April 8 and U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday the war ⁠was close to over, but control over the Strait of Hormuz remains a key issue in negotiations. The source, who declined to be ​identified due to the sensitivity of the matter, said Iran could be willing to let ships use the other side of the narrow strait ​in Omani waters without any hindrance from Tehran. The source did not say whether Iran would also agree to clear any mines it may have placed in that stretch of water or if all ships – even those linked to Israel – would be allowed to pass freely. But the source added that the proposal hinged on whether ​Washington was prepared to meet Tehran’s demands, a condition that was central to any potential breakthrough with the Strait of Hormuz. The White House ​did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Iran’s Foreign Ministry was not immediately available to comment. A Western security source said the proposal to let ships ‌pass ⁠through Omani waters unhindered had been in the works although it was not clear if there had been any response from Washington yet. The strait, a strip of water only 34 km (21 miles) wide between Iran and O...