Iran and Oman propose temporary Strait of Hormuz shipping lane and demining plan

Iran and Oman outlined a joint proposal Tuesday to establish a temporary shipping channel and launch a demining effort in the Strait of Hormuz, according to regional officials. The plan follows weeks of fraught discussions between Tehran and Muscat. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the yet-to-be-finalized deal would close the southern UN-authorized route along Oman's coast, which Iran opposes. The earlier Omani statement did not mention the closure, and it remains unclear whether the US, which insists the strait is international waters, would accept the new route. The proposal comes amid heightened tensions, with the US warning shipping firms of sanctions and President Donald Trump threatening to attack Oman if it interferes with US efforts. Qatar has voiced support for the talks, while Washington has launched a sweeping sanctions campaign targeting Iran's economy.