Oman is hosting talks with Iran to discuss a potential statement on opening a "median lane" in the Strait of Hormuz to allow for free and full movement of shipping, according to reports from Axios.
The diplomatic initiative comes as US President Donald Trump has demanded that Iran publicly acknowledge that it fired at ships in the strategic waterway.
Three US officials with knowledge of the matter confirmed the demand, signaling a hardening of the American position despite ongoing backchannel negotiations.
The push to reopen the median lane represents a critical test for de-escalating shipping risks in one of the world's most vital energy chokepoints.
If successful, the agreement could provide a framework for safer transit through the strait, potentially easing the premium on tanker insurance and freight rates that have persisted amid heightened tensions.
However, the US insistence on an admission of attacks from Iran adds a significant political hurdle to the technical logistics of reopening the route.