Oman announces it is setting up temporary maritime corridors to enable safer transit and departure of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. The plan is coordinated with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Oman says, and vessels that want to use the routes must coordinate with the IMO and Omani authorities. Oman also says the existing Traffic Separation Scheme in the strait is currently unsafe for use. Instead, it designates two temporary routes, north and south of the current shipping lane, to reduce risks amid heightened security and an elevated likelihood of collisions. Oman describes a phased procedure developed by the IMO, in which vessels are grouped and contacted individually with specific instructions on when they may depart and which route they should follow. Ships are directed to a waiting area in international waters before being cleared to proceed. Oman states it will not impose tolls on vessels transiting the strait, aligning with outcomes of recent US-Iran talks. It also says shipowners and masters remain responsible for independent risk assessments and that vessels should keep their Automatic Identification System active and report navigational hazards to Omani maritime authorities. Oman and Iran begin discussions on longer-term administration of navigation and maritime services.