Kamal Ghorui
Iran has said it is drafting a proposal with Oman to “monitor” the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions in the region continue to escalate and concerns grow over maritime security.Iranian diplomat Kazem Gharibabadi, quoted by state-run IRNA, said the proposal is “intended to facilitate and ensure safe passage and provide better services to ships passing through this route.” However, details of the plan remain unclear, and Oman has not publicly acknowledged the proposal.The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, lies between Iranian and Omani territorial waters but is internationally recognised as a route that allows free passage for ships.The development comes amid heightened tensions and allegations of disruptions to shipping in the region. Iran has been accused of targeting vessels and reportedly demanding payments of up to USD 2 million for safe passage through the narrow waterway, raising concerns over a potential chokehold on maritime trade.Addressing the situation, Gharibabadi linked the proposal to ongoing conflict conditions, stating: “Naturally, when we face an act of aggression, navigation encounters serious problems, and this is the result of the aggressive act.”He added: “We are currently at war and cannot expect pre-war rules to govern wartime conditions.”The remarks indicate a possible shift in how Iran views maritime operations in the region, with implications for global energy supply routes and international shipping norms.
