Iran, Oman agree on shipping route map for Strait of Hormuz

Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on a map for a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz following weeks of strategic talks, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Saturday.

Speaking to Defa Press, Baghaei said the two countries began intensive discussions three months ago after signing a memorandum of understanding on June 18 to establish a safe navigation route through the strategic waterway.

“Despite US obstacles, the talks have progressed positively over the past three weeks and an agreement has been reached on the shipping route map,” Baghaei said.

He said the plan was developed under the leadership of Iran’s Foreign Ministry with the participation of authorities responsible for defence, security and environmental affairs.

Some issues remain unresolved, including a joint statement to be issued by Tehran and Muscat, Baghaei said, adding that communication between the two sides would continue until the process is finalised.

He stressed that the arrangement is an independent agreement between Iran and Oman aimed at ensuring safe navigation while respecting the sovereignty of both coastal states.

However, Baghaei said the full restoration of security and normal commercial shipping through the strait would depend on an end to what he called US “illegal actions”, military threats and naval blockade, as well as compensation for alleged breaches of US commitments over the past two months.

The talks are part of a memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States that assigned Tehran and Muscat the task of developing a new navigation framework for the Strait of Hormuz.

SKS