Iran, Oman Agree on Temporary Strait of Hormuz Transit Route

Iran and Oman have established a temporary seven-mile-wide transit route through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, announced Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi on Tuesday, August 24. This arrangement, however, does not signal a reopening of the vital waterway, which Iran asserts it fully controls.

Gharibabadi clarified that the agreed-upon route will partially traverse Iranian territorial waters during ship entry and exit. The temporary nature of this lane means further negotiations between Iran and Oman will take place over the next 30 to 60 days to determine a permanent route and establish management protocols for shipping.

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The agreed-upon width of the transit route with Oman in the Strait of Hormuz is seven miles.

Reiterating Iran's firm stance, Gharibabadi emphasized, "The Strait of Hormuz is closed, and we have complete control over it." He denied claims of ships already using the route, stating that activating this joint route would necessitate closing the southern passage. Technical negotiations on alternative routes to the historical passage are set to commence.

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The Strait of Hormuz is closed, and we have complete control over it.

Iran views the Strait of Hormuz as a critical national security concern and reserves the right to protect its interests. Gharibabadi also expressed distrust in the United States, linking any potential reopening of the Strait to Washington fulfilling its obligations under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). "Before any action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. must fully implement all of its violated commitments. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will only take place in exchange for an end to the war on all fronts, the lifting of the blockade, and a resolution of Yemen's status," he stated.

This position was echoed by Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, Field Marshal Asim Munir, during a recent visit to Iran, who indicated that the reopening depends on U.S. willingness to honor its commitments.

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Before any action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. must fully implement all of its violated commitments. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will only take place in exchange for an end to the war on all fronts, the lifting of the blockade, and a resolution of Yemen's status.