Tehran is preparing a formal list of conditions for a broader reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, even as the United States continues to enforce a strict naval blockade. Regional diplomatic efforts are intensifying to find a resolution for merchant shipping through the critical waterway.
Iran Proposes Joint Shipping Corridor
Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei confirmed that Tehran is drafting a proposal that includes establishing a designated central channel spanning both Iranian and Omani territorial waters. The plan also calls for joint mine-clearing operations to mitigate ongoing maritime hazards in the strait.
This diplomatic push follows a tentative framework reached between Tehran and Muscat for a temporary shipping corridor. Meanwhile, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, held discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, focusing on security frameworks to prevent further escalation.
US Maintains Blockade, Trump Affirms Control
Despite regional talks, Washington insists that direct US-Iran negotiations remain frozen. The White House is moving forward with its aggressive financial strategy, dubbed "Operation Economic Outcast," designed to cut off Iranian revenue through secondary sanctions and strict maritime interdiction.
Addressing reporters, US President Donald Trump affirmed the administration's military posture.
"The Strait of Hormuz is open. We have control and we have the blockade. Iran's not getting anything through. Nothing is getting through. Not one ship has gotten through," Trump stated. He added that US naval forces are conducting active mine-clearing sweeps and operational defense along commercial routes, claiming, "We've totally cleared the strait of mines... Any boat goes through with a mine, we take it out. And we've taken out two."
Shipping Traffic Severely Impacted
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM) metrics, coalition forces have redirected 75 vessels attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports since the naval blockade was re-established in mid-July. CENTCOM reports that no merchant ships have docked or departed Iranian maritime terminals without explicit U.S. authorization.
Commercial shipping data from tracking platform Kpler reflects a fragile environment. Daily commodity vessel transits through the strait have picked up slightly to 10 ships, but this figure remains far below the recent 10-day average of 15 vessels and is significantly down from pre-conflict baseline volumes. Recent strikes on commercial hulls in international waters continue to keep insurance premiums elevated and global energy markets on edge.
To reinforce its operational footprint, the US Navy has deployed the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Arabian Sea, relieving the USS Abraham Lincoln. This move signals that military readiness in the region will remain high as long as diplomatic breakthroughs remain out of reach.