Iran Describes Oman Negotiations as Positive

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei on Tuesday described the ongoing negotiations between Iran and Oman as positive, at both technical and political levels, with a focus on establishing a safe route for ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. “Negotiations are still continuing,” Baghaei told Iranian state television, IRIB TV. He also explained that Iran is seeking to develop a joint mechanism with Oman to manage future shipping traffic in the strategic strait. Baghaei said any new route must protect the sovereign rights and national security of both Iran and Oman. According to him, the final outcome will be announced after the talks conclude. Meanwhile, Iranian state television station Press TV on Tuesday quoted a senior Iranian official as saying that once operational, the new corridor would replace the existing northern and southern routes. The official described the move as defensive and fully in line with the right of any sovereign state to protect its territorial waters from external threats. Iran tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz on 28 February by banning safe passage for vessels owned by or affiliated with Israel and the US, following combined attacks by the two countries on Iranian territory. The US military launched several waves of strikes against targets in Iran last month, stating the attacks were a response to Iranian strikes on ships in the Strait of Hormuz and aimed at degrading Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping. Iran subsequently responded with missile and drone attacks targeting US military bases and facilities in the Middle East.