Photo courtesy of Anadolu
Iran and Oman agreed on a new shipping route map for the Strait of Hormuz following weeks of technical negotiations, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei.
Baghaei said the two countries began intensive talks three months ago after signing a memorandum of understanding on June 18 to establish safer navigation routes through the strategic waterway.
He said the negotiations had made progress in recent weeks and resulted in an agreement on the route map, despite what Tehran described as interference from the United States.
The framework was prepared through coordination led by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, with input from the country’s defense, security and environmental agencies.
Baghaei said discussions were still continuing on several remaining issues, including a joint statement expected to be released by Tehran and Muscat.
He described the arrangement as an independent agreement between Iran and Oman aimed at ensuring safe passage through the strait while protecting the sovereignty of both countries.
Iran, however, maintained that the broader return of normal commercial shipping would depend on the easing of US military pressure and other actions Tehran considers violations of previous commitments.
The talks are part of a wider process involving Iran and the United States, with Oman playing a key role in shaping a new navigation framework for the Strait of Hormuz.