White House Does Not Comment on Iran-Oman Proposal for Strait of Hormuz

<p>The Trump administration previously asserted that Iran does not control the passage through the Strait of Hormuz. However, following the announcement of a proposed framework by Iran and Oman that Tehran claims would exclude military vessels, the White House has not indicated whether President Donald Trump would accept any restrictions on U.S. warships under this arrangement.</p><p>U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has rejected Iran's claim of authority over the strait. CENTCOM spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins stated, "Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz. The strait is an international waterway that commercial vessels continue to transit with U.S. military assistance."</p><p>Fox News Digital inquired whether Trump would accept restrictions on U.S. military vessels if the proposal becomes binding, whether American forces would be expected to comply, and whether U.S. warships would retain the right to operate in the strait regardless of any future arrangement. The White House did not respond to these questions.</p><p>Hawkins noted that U.S. forces have assisted nearly 1,500 vessels in transiting the strait since early May. The lack of response from the White House marks a shift from previous months, during which the administration publicly challenged Iranian efforts to control passage through Hormuz. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously labeled a proposed toll system as illegal and unacceptable, while Trump threatened Oman earlier this month if it "gets in the way" of a U.S. deal with Iran.</p><p>The administration has applied military and economic pressure aimed at reopening the strait on U.S. terms. American forces have targeted Iranian military sites, protected commercial shipping, and maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, while also expanding sanctions through the Operation Economic Outcast campaign.</p><p>These measures have led to a decrease in shipping traffic through Hormuz, with oil flows currently at about 5 million barrels per day, down from over 20 million barrels per day before the conflict, according to provisional Vortexa tracking data.</p><p>Iran is pursuing a reopening arrangement that it claims would allow it to maintain some control over the waterway while excluding foreign military vessels. Oman and Iran announced a proposed framework on Monday for reopening the strait through a joint temporary navigational corridor and a joint mine-clearing project.</p><p>The joint statement indicated that technical discussions would continue regarding a permanent corridor, future administration of the strait, traffic management, and security services, but key terms remain unresolved. Iranian officials provided additional details on Tuesday, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stating that the temporary arrangement would direct commercial ships entering the Persian Gulf through Iranian waters, while outbound traffic would navigate through both Iranian and Omani waters. He also mentioned that the proposal would exclude military vessels if it becomes binding.</p><p>Separately, Sepah News, an outlet associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reported that Iran and Oman had reached agreements on "each country’s share of the strait’s waters" and their "share of its revenues." Mohebbi also accused the U.S. of obstructing the talks.</p><p>However, Oman’s public statement did not reference a military-vessel ban, transit fees, or revenue sharing, and described the framework as proposed. Iranian officials also indicated to Reuters that the arrangement is not yet finalized.</p><p>This leaves the critical question unresolved: whether Iran can use the emerging commercial shipping framework to restrict American military access to the strait, and how the Trump administration would respond if Tehran attempts to do so.</p>