Emerging Hormuz Plan Splits Routes as U.S. Rejects Iranian Control Terms

Regional officials said an emerging Iran-Oman plan would send ships entering the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and outbound vessels through a route controlled by Oman. They said service fees would fund security and environmental protection, while negotiations remain unfinished and could still change. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington expects freedom of movement, and a U.S. official disputed claims that any American-approved routes would require Iranian permission or tolls. Any deal formalizing Tehran’s control over the strategic waterway would mark a major Iranian gain, while the United States could still refuse to lift its blockade.