Iran Says Hormuz Strait Talks with Oman Constructive

Iran said on Monday that negotiations with Oman regarding shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz were smooth and constructive. “An understanding has been reached on the shipping lane map, and consultations are still ongoing to finalise several technical points in a joint statement,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei during a weekly press conference, as quoted by the semi-official Tasnim news agency. He stated that several mechanisms would be established to ensure the safety of maritime traffic, protect the environment, and address “maritime crimes.” “It was also emphasised that relevant costs and tariffs will be imposed on ships,” he added. Baqaei said the main objective of the ongoing talks between Tehran and Muscat is to achieve a sustainable understanding to guarantee full security in the strait. He stressed that the discussions with Oman are merely a bilateral process to determine safe routes for international shipping and are not related to political differences. However, Baqaei also asserted that the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened until the US meets Iran’s demands, including ending the naval blockade of Iranian ports. The statement was made as negotiations over the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remain deadlocked. Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding in June through the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar, which ended open hostilities and paved the way for negotiations towards a broader agreement. The memorandum provides for the gradual resumption of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, its implementation has stalled after both sides accused each other of violating the agreed terms.