Grounding near Hormuz tests Iran's bid to govern key strait amid renewed talks
A container ship ran aground on the Oman side of the Strait of Hormuz after reportedly not following Iran’s approved Route of Authority, with Tehran warning that only vessels passing through its corridor will be guaranteed safe navigation. The incident, linked to shallow waters and the ship’s chosen route, comes amid ongoing US–Iran negotiations in Doha over funds, the nuclear issue, and maritime navigation, as Oman and the IMO explore an alternative corridor and Western states reiterate that the Strait remains an international waterway under UNCLOS.