Iran unveils Hormuz roadmap, dismisses Trump timeline, nears Oman deal

Iran has put forward its own roadmap for the Strait of Hormuz, pushing back against the timeline set by former US President Donald Trump and indicating that negotiations mediated by Oman are close to yielding an agreement. The development, reported across multiple outlets on Tuesday, signals a potential shift in the standoff over one of the world's most critical oil shipping lanes.

Tehran's proposal, according to sources cited by Reuters, centres on a demand for inbound control of the strait and outbound oversight. That position effectively hands Iran a supervisory role over traffic entering and exiting the waterway, a condition that is likely to complicate any deal with the United States and its allies.

Iran's Roadmap and Its Demands

The Iranian plan, as outlined by officials familiar with the talks, is designed to replace the framework that Washington has sought to impose. Trump had earlier set a deadline for reopening the strait, but Tehran has dismissed that schedule as unrealistic and one-sided.

Instead, Iran is pressing for a mechanism that would give it a say in both the entry and exit of vessels. The demand for inbound control and outbound oversight suggests Tehran wants to monitor cargo and origins, a move that could be used to enforce its own sanctions-related policies or to counter smuggling.

While the specifics remain under negotiation, the broad outline indicates that Iran is seeking a role far beyond mere passage rights. It wants a structured presence that legitimises its authority over the strait, a point that has historically been a flashpoint for tensions.

Oman Talks Nearing a Deal

Oman has served as a mediator between Tehran and Washington, and its efforts appear to be gaining traction. Reports from Al Jazeera and The Hindu suggest that talks in Muscat have advanced to a stage where a preliminary understanding could be reached soon.

Iranian officials have described the discussions as constructive, with a spokesperson noting that the country is not seeking a wider war. That statement, echoed by the President's office, appears aimed at calming regional fears even as the military standoff continues.

The emerging deal, as The New York Times put it, would come at a cost for Trump. An agreement brokered through Oman would undercut the former president's strategy of maximum pressure, handing Tehran a diplomatic victory and reducing the credibility of US-led efforts to isolate Iran.

What a Deal Means for the Region

If finalised, the deal would reopen the strait to normal traffic, easing global oil prices and reducing the risk of a military confrontation. But it would also set a precedent: Iran would gain a recognised role in maritime security, something the US has long resisted.

For Gulf states, the outcome is mixed. They want the strait open, but they are wary of any arrangement that strengthens Iran's hand in the region. Israel, too, has voiced concerns, though it has not publicly commented on the Oman talks.

The cost for Trump, as the Times noted, is not just diplomatic. A deal that bypasses Washington's timeline would weaken his ability to claim credit for any easing of tensions, and it would embolden other nations to seek independent channels with Tehran.

Uncertain Path Ahead

Neither side has confirmed a final agreement, and officials have cautioned that significant hurdles remain. The details of the roadmap, including how inbound and outbound oversight would be implemented, are still being worked out.

What is clear is that Iran has successfully shifted the conversation from a US-imposed deadline to a negotiated framework. The coming weeks will determine whether the Oman channel can deliver a signed document or whether the differences prove too wide to bridge.

For now, all eyes are on Muscat, where mediators continue to shuttle between the parties. The next round of talks is expected to focus on the technical aspects of monitoring, a sign that the political groundwork may be close to completion.