Iran and Oman Agree Temporary Transit Route Through Strait of Hormuz, Tehran: We Hold Full Control

Iran and Oman have agreed to establish a temporary transit route seven miles wide through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on Tuesday (24/8/2026). However, in an interview with Iranian television, Gharibabadi stressed that the agreement does not mean the strategic waterway of the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened.

He explained that the agreed route will pass through Iran’s territorial waters when ships enter. Meanwhile, when ships exit, part of the route also passes through Iranian waters.

“The width of the transit route agreed with Oman in the Strait of Hormuz is seven miles (around 11.3 km),” Gharibabadi said, describing the route as a temporary arrangement.

Iran and Oman will hold further negotiations over 30 to 60 days to determine a permanent route and shipping management arrangements through the strait. Gharibabadi reiterated that the agreement with Oman must not be interpreted as a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Strait of Hormuz is closed and we have full control over it,” he said.

He also denied claims that ships have already passed through the route. According to Gharibabadi, activation of the joint route agreed with Oman will also mean the closure of the southern route.

The two countries agreed to begin technical negotiations on an alternative route to the historic one. Gharibabadi said Iran regards the Strait of Hormuz as a matter of national security and has the right to take measures it deems necessary to protect its interests.

He also said Iran does not trust Washington. According to him, the return of diplomacy must be preceded by the United States’ compliance in fulfilling its obligations under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

“Before any action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the US must fully implement all of its commitments that have been violated. The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz will only be carried out in exchange for an end to the war on all fronts, the lifting of blockades, and the resolution of Yemen’s status,” he said.

Gharibabadi said Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir conveyed a similar message during his recent visit to Iran. Munir told Iranian officials that the reopening of the strait depends on the US’s willingness to fulfil its commitments.