• Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei says Tehran will take measures to ensure safe passage in the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Oman and other countries, for a specific time and corresponding to U.S. commitments.
  • Iran rejects the notion of external powers imposing a transit framework, emphasizing bilateral Iran-Oman management.
  • The announcement comes amid heightened maritime risk in the Gulf and ongoing U.S. efforts like 'Project Freedom' to assist commercial shipping.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced on Thursday that Tehran will implement measures to secure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with Oman and other regional states. The initiative, he said, will be for a specific duration and will correspond to commitments made by the United States.

"Iran and Oman are jointly responsible for safe transit in the strait," Baghaei said at a press conference. "We reject any 'should' or 'must' from outside parties. This is a matter of regional sovereignty." He added that the arrangement would not involve tolls but could include cost-recovery for services and environmental protections.

The statement signals a shift toward formalizing a bilateral transit protocol, which could reduce the role of external naval forces in securing the strategic waterway through which about 20% of global oil passes. Baghaei did not provide details on the timing or specific measures, but said discussions with Oman are ongoing.

Maritime security analysts have noted persistent threats in the Gulf, including fast-boat seizure risks and drone attacks, with threat levels classified as severe in early 2026. The U.S. has been developing 'Project Freedom' to assist commercial ships with guidance and insurance support, rather than traditional escorts.

"Without a coordinated framework, the risk to shipping remains high," said a maritime security consultant who monitors the region. "An Iran-Oman protocol could improve predictability, but it also risks friction with Western stakeholders."

Attempts to reach Omani officials for comment were not immediately successful. The U.S. State Department declined to comment on the announcement.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timeline of the announcement. It has been updated to reflect the correct date.