Trade Deal / Iran, Oman Agree Strait of Hormuz New Route Deal

Tehran/Doha, Sep 13: Tehran and Muscat have moved a step closer to reshaping navigation through one of the world’s most strategic waterways.

After weeks of negotiations, Iran and Oman have finalized a framework for new entry and exit routes in the Strait of Hormuz, a plan that places key passages under Iranian control.

The two nations are now preparing to present the outcome of their consultations to Gulf counterparts at a high‑level regional meeting in Muscat on Monday, signaling a pivotal moment in ongoing maritime security talks.

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According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the agreement followed “intensive technical and diplomatic talks between Iran and Oman, which culminated in a final agreement in late August.”

The source explained that the Gulf’s entry route “lies entirely within Iran’s territorial waters,” while part of the exit route also falls “within Iranian territorial waters.”

The source emphasized that the new system would operate under Iranian arrangements, with the southern route closed once implemented.

He noted that “the United States had insisted that the southern route must be opened,” but stressed, “The understanding in no way means that the Strait of Hormuz will be opened.”

He added that Iran has set seven conditions for reopening the waterway, all conveyed to Washington, and warned that reopening “depends entirely on the US behavior.”

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced Friday that Gulf littoral states’ foreign ministers will meet in Oman to discuss regional issues, including the Iran-Oman consultations. Speaking Saturday, Baghaei said the gathering would “hopefully” include ministers from Gulf states, Iran, and Iraq.

“As part of the agenda, we are going to brief the delegations about the results of the Iran and Oman consultations regarding the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz,” he said, stressing that the talks were conducted as “the two coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz.”

Late last month, Iran and Oman issued a joint statement outlining a phased framework, including a temporary joint shipping corridor. The consultations come amid heightened tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, after which Tehran restricted passage and US forces imposed a naval blockade.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas shipments, remains at the center of geopolitical friction. Oman and Iran, positioned on opposite sides of the strait, continue to coordinate maritime security and navigation in the strategic waterway.

(IANS)