Iran, Oman negotiations on Hormuz Strait progressing, nearing conclusion

Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement on managing traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, with negotiations entering their final phase, Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday. Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister, reported that the talks are in the concluding stages. Esmaeil Baghaei, a spokesperson for Iran's Foreign Ministry, shared details of the progress, stating that both sides are set to agree on a new traffic separation system. This system will not follow existing northern or southern routes but will be framed within a new structure that guarantees the sovereignty and national interests of both Iran and Oman. Baghaei emphasized that this agreement is a prerequisite for the Strait of Hormuz to be fully open, but not a guarantee on its own. He attributed the Strait's closure not to Oman, but to a series of actions taken by the United States against Iran. The ongoing negotiations have lasted for seven to eight days, with broader discussions spanning about two months. Iran has reportedly developed and shared a new traffic map for the Strait of Hormuz with Oman.

“

Now we will reach an agreement on the shipping lanes that both sides can agree on. It will be agreed within the framework of a new traffic separation system that guarantees the sovereignty of both sides and secures national interests and security, not the northern or southern lanes.