Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Pakistan and Oman could handle the security and control of the Strait of Hormuz [1].
This proposal comes as Iran seeks to ensure the stability of one of the world's most critical shipping lanes during an active conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the U.S. By suggesting neutral or regional partners, Tehran may be attempting to reduce direct military friction with Western powers while maintaining the flow of global energy.
Araghchi said the comments in St. Petersburg, Russia, during discussions regarding diplomatic missions to Pakistan and Oman [1]. He identified two countries [1] that could potentially oversee the waterway's security to provide a diplomatic alternative to the current tensions.
"We have discussed with Pakistan and Oman the possibility of them handling the security of the Strait of Hormuz," Araghchi said [2].
The proposal arrives amid a fragile security environment in the region. Araghchi said the move is part of a broader effort to prevent a total collapse of regional stability. He said that Iran is attempting to maintain a shaky ceasefire to give diplomacy a chance [3].
However, the proposal faces skepticism regarding the actual transfer of authority. While Araghchi discussed the possibility of these nations handling security, other reports indicate that Iran continues to control the Strait and is not handing over that authority to any other nation [4].
Araghchi also expressed a deep lack of trust in Western involvement in the region. "We cannot trust the Americans at all," Araghchi said [3].
“"We have discussed with Pakistan and Oman the possibility of them handling the security of the Strait of Hormuz."”
The suggestion to involve Pakistan and Oman represents a strategic attempt by Iran to internationalize the security of the Strait of Hormuz using non-Western allies. If implemented, it would signal a shift toward regional policing to bypass U.S. naval presence. However, the contradiction between Araghchi's diplomatic suggestions and the reality of Iran's continued control suggests this may be a diplomatic maneuver to project a cooperative image rather than a concrete plan to cede sovereignty over the waterway.
