Oman Ready to Help Keep Strait of Hormuz Open; Oman and Iran Face Off

(Digital Itlaa) The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that Oman is ready to cooperate with all parties to ensure free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to the Ministry, all parties must adhere to international laws and the UN Charter regarding maritime laws. The statement also condemned the rocket attacks by Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia, expressing support for the measures taken for Saudi Arabia's security.

With the battle for control over the strait intensifying, Iran and Oman are now directly facing off. A senior Iranian official bluntly declared that whether Oman cooperates or not, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will no longer remain the same.

Earlier, CNN reported that Oman had proposed a new plan for transit in the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting it be divided into two separate shipping lanes. Under the proposal, free transit would continue through the southern corridor managed by Oman, while vessels using the northern corridor on the Iranian side would require prior permission from Iran. The proposed agreement would not impose any tolls on the vessels.

Mohsen Rezaee, an advisor to the Iranian Supreme Leader, stated that the Strait of Hormuz is a strategic corridor and one of Iran's most critical defensive assets, and Iran will ensure its protection at all costs.

Meanwhile, US CENTCOM stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to vessels complying with international laws, adding that Iran does not control the strait and transit is continuing as normal.