Iran-Oman Monitors Hormuz, Markets Wary
Iran has stated that it is preparing a protocol with Oman to monitor shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a move it claims aims to facilitate safe navigation and improve services for ships passing through, not to impose restrictions. The statement was made by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, according to the state-run IRNA news agency.
However, Tehran also emphasized that shipping traffic should take place under the supervision and coordination of Iran and Oman, as coastal states, even in peacetime. This emphasis on “coordination of coastal states” signals that Iran wants to maintain a controlling role in regulating shipping lanes, even as markets and some countries highlight the need to restore energy logistics flows.
The announcement came after French President Emmanuel Macron called it unrealistic to launch a military operation to force the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, following US President Donald Trump’s challenge to US allies to join in pushing for the reopening of the waterway. Iran had effectively closed the waterway, which carries about a fifth of global oil and LNG supplies, since the US and Israel attacked Iran, triggering Iranian retaliatory attacks on Israel, US bases, and Gulf states.
For the market, these dynamics keep energy risk premiums sensitive: any sign of eased passage of ships has the potential to alleviate concerns about supply disruptions, while the confirmation of Iran-Oman supervision could prolong uncertainty about how quickly Hormuz flows will truly return to normal. Future monitoring focuses will include details of the protocol's implementation, the response of countries using the route, and changes in security conditions around Hormuz.
Source: Newsmaker.id
