New Delhi, Aug. 5 -- Iran is pushing for greater control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz under a temporary arrangement being negotiated with Oman, even as diplomats and US officials express optimism that a deal to reopen the strategic waterway could be reached soon.

According to Reuters which cited a senior Iranian source, Tehran wants inbound vessels entering the Persian Gulf to use an Iranian-controlled route while outbound traffic would travel along a route between Iran and Oman, with Oman granting exit clearance only after notifying Iranian authorities.

"The general idea currently being discussed" would give Iran oversight of all inbound shipping and visibility over outbound traffic, allowing it to intervene if necessary,...