Iran and Oman hold deputy minister-level talks to discuss “various plans to ensure the smooth passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.”

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Iran and Oman have begun diplomatic mediation on the issue of passage through the Strait of Hormuz, showing initial signs of diplomatic contact regarding the crisis of this critical global energy chokepoint being blocked.

According to a disclosure by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, April 5, the two sides have held deputy-minister-level talks to discuss various possible options to ensure smooth passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with expert teams attending and submitting specific recommendations.

Meanwhile, data tracked by Lloyd’s List shows that on Sunday, three Omani ships sailed outside the “authorized corridor” designated by Iran, closely following the Omani coastline through the strait—a rare navigation pattern since the outbreak of the crisis.

The Strait of Hormuz is effectively in a state of blockade; the Strait’s obstruction has triggered drastic turbulence in the energy market, forcing oil and gas importing countries to seek alternative supply channels. Over the weekend, U.S. President Trump took a tough tone on social media, warning that if the strait is not reopened by Monday, forceful measures will be taken.

Oman Mediates, Deputy Minister Level Talks Initiated

According to a post by the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the X platform on Sunday, talks between the two sides were held on Saturday at the “deputy foreign minister (vice-minister) level,” with experts from both countries in attendance.

The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the meeting focused on “various possible plans to ensure smooth passage through the Strait of Hormuz in the current regional situation,” with both sides’ experts putting forward several ideas and suggestions for further follow-up study.

Prior to this meeting, an Iranian official said last Thursday that Iran was drafting a memorandum of understanding on regulating strait traffic with Oman, indicating that contacts between the two countries on this issue had made some progress.

Partial Ship Access Granted, Over 3,000 Still Stranded

The Strait of Hormuz crisis originated from U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran on February 28. After that, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) imposed strict controls on the strait as a countermeasure.

So far, some ships associated with Pakistan, France, and Turkey have been granted passage, but around 3,000 other vessels remain stranded, unable to pass this global energy transport key node.

According to Lloyd’s List tracking data, three Omani ships passed through the strait on Sunday, including two large supertankers and one LNG (liquefied natural gas) carrier. Their routes ran outside the “authorized corridor” near Iran’s Larak Island, unusually close to the Omani coastline.

Diplomatic Mediation in Multiple Channels, But Negotiation Room Remains Limited

Beyond Oman's mediation, regional diplomatic efforts are being advanced on several fronts.

According to a statement by Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday, Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty had separate conversations with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and regional counterparts including Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, exchanging views on regional de-escalation proposals.

However, analysts remain cautious about the prospects for a diplomatic solution. Australian National University Emeritus Professor Amin Saikal told Al Jazeera that if the conflict escalates further, "it will be a nightmare for the entire region" and a solution must be found through some form of negotiation.

Saikal also noted that "the window for a diplomatic resolution is very narrow right now, unless President Trump determines that the conflict has caused enough trouble both domestically and internationally, and it is truly time to seek a compromise with Iran."

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