Investing.com -- Iran is developing a protocol with Oman to monitor vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran’s state-run news agency IRNA, citing Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi.

The protocol aims to facilitate safe passage and provide better services to ships transiting the route, rather than imposing restrictions, Gharibabadi said.

The deputy foreign minister stated that vessel traffic should occur under the supervision and coordination of Iran and Oman as coastal states, even during peacetime.

The announcement comes after French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday it would be unrealistic to launch a military operation to force open the Strait of Hormuz, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s challenge to U.S. allies to work towards reopening it.

Tehran has effectively closed the waterway that carries about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies since the U.S. and Israel struck Iran, triggering Iranian attacks on Israel, U.S. bases and Gulf states.