Iran says Hormuz talks with Oman in ‘final’ stages as route approved
Iran and Oman have reached agreement on geographical coordinates for a new maritime transit route through the Strait of Hormuz, with a joint statement in final drafting stages. The route would pass through both Iranian and Omani territorial waters and operate for two to four months or longer, replacing existing temporary routes.
Iran's Foreign Ministry announced that negotiations with Oman regarding transit arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz have advanced significantly, with both nations now agreeing on the specific geographical coordinates of the proposed shipping corridor. According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei, discussions have been ongoing for two months with the objective of establishing a secure passage for commercial vessels through the waterway.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi provided additional details, confirming that the two countries have reached understanding on nearly all substantive issues, including the precise locations where maritime traffic would enter and exit the strait. Under the proposed arrangement, a substantial portion of the shipping route would traverse Iranian territorial waters, while other segments would pass through Omani waters. The new corridor would operate on a temporary basis, potentially lasting between two and four months or possibly longer, while existing interim routes would be discontinued.
These negotiations occur against the backdrop of Iran's near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz following the termination of a June 17 memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington. Subsequent military operations have disrupted approximately 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports, contributing to price increases worldwide. US officials, including President Trump, have indicated that Iran seeks a deal to reopen the waterway, though Washington has stated it would not accept any arrangement granting Iran control over the strait.
According to a Tehran-based analyst at the Center for Strategic Studies, Iran views the negotiations as an effort to consolidate its military position in the Strait of Hormuz rather than relinquish it. Iranian officials have attributed the waterway's closure to what they characterize as US and Israeli military aggression, emphasizing that any arrangement with Oman cannot independently guarantee security for transiting vessels given ongoing US naval operations in the region.
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