Iran and Oman are jointly developing a new central "corridor" through the Strait of Hormuz, according to state media reports.
The initiative is designed to serve the mutual interests of both nations, with the new route intended to operate alongside existing northern and southern passages.
This development marks a shift in the operational planning for the waterway, suggesting a move toward structured, bilateral management of traffic flows rather than ad-hoc routing.
The announcement comes as diplomatic tensions persist regarding the broader reopening of the Strait.
Reports indicate that US officials are attempting to engage in the negotiations between Tehran and Muscat, aiming to secure credit for any eventual agreement.
This political maneuvering underscores the high stakes involved in normalizing shipping routes, which remain critical for global energy supplies.