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A fresh dispute has emerged over transit routes in the Strait of Hormuz, even as the United States and Iran maintain an interim ceasefire. Oman said on Tuesday it had coordinated with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to provide a temporary maritime corridor for vessels seeking to transit the strait, as reported by France 24 — English. However, Iran's Revolutionary Guards have issued a stern warning that only certain maritime routes would be authorized for navigation, and Tehran has said any activity in the strait, including its opening or demining operations, rests exclusively with Iran.

The disagreement threatens to unravel the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between Washington and Tehran, which included provisions for the safe passage of commercial vessels and talks with Oman over the strait's future administration.

Coverage Comparison

The reports vary in their focus. Al Jazeera describes the Strait of Hormuz as the central issue in the US-Israel war with Iran, noting that disagreements over its future have been the hardest to resolve in negotiations. France 24 — English highlights Oman's coordination with the IMO and the planned joint working group with Iran on maritime service fees. The Hindu — World provides details of the MoU, including the 60-day free passage provision, and quotes senior US officials demanding a public statement from Iran that the strait is open.

The sources agree that the strait has been heavily disrupted since the war began, curbing commercial shipping and rattling global energy markets. They also differ on certain specifics: The Hindu — World reports that Iran has set up the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) and requires vessels to hold passage permits, while France 24 — English emphasizes that Iran and Oman will examine charges for maritime service fees through a joint working group.

Key Claims

  • The US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, 2026, after which Iran asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The US has tried various measures to restore free navigation, including bombing Iran's naval assets and imposing a blockade, as detailed by The Hindu — World.
  • The MoU signed between the US and Iran on June 17 includes a provision for Iran to make arrangements for safe passage of commercial vessels for 60 days, a claim carried by The Hindu — World.
  • Iran has indicated it will conduct talks with Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the strait, reported by both Al Jazeera and The Hindu — World.
  • The US is demanding that Iran issue a public statement declaring the strait open to shipping, as reported by The Hindu — World.
  • Iran's Naval Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that vessels must use only routes officially designated by Iran.
  • Oman has designated two temporary routes north and south of the existing shipping lane to facilitate safe passage, as reported by The Hindu — World.
  • The disruption of traffic in the strait has an immediate and costly price tag for Iran, Gulf neighbors, and the global economy, according to Al Jazeera.
  • France has announced it will work with Oman to clear mines from the strait, as reported by France 24 — English.
  • Iran has acted on its threat, attacking ships in the strait, including a cargo ship and two tankers, as described in multiple reports.