Iran, Oman Near Deal on New Strait of Hormuz Maritime Route

Iran says it is close to reaching an agreement with Oman on establishing a new maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials said the proposed route would be different from the existing shipping corridors and would take into account the interests and sovereignty of both countries.

The announcement was made on Sunday during an interview. His comments came after Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also confirmed that discussions with Oman had entered their final stage.

Iran Says New Route Will Protect Both Countries' Interests

Speaking to state television, Esmaeil Baqaei said Iran and Oman were close to finalising an understanding on a maritime route that would not follow either the northern or southern shipping corridor currently used in the Strait of Hormuz.

He said the proposed route would be acceptable to both countries while respecting their sovereign rights and protecting their national interests and security.

Read More: US Redirects 30 Ships Amid Iran Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Baqaei stated: "We are now going to reach an understanding on a route acceptable to both sides -- neither the northern route nor the southern route -- but one that respects the sovereign rights of both sides and safeguards our national interests and security."

Iranian officials did not provide further details about the exact location or structure of the proposed maritime route.

Foreign Minister Says Negotiations Are in Final Stage

Earlier, Iran's state news agency IRNA quoted Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as saying that negotiations with Oman were progressing well and were close to completion.

According to Araghchi, discussions with Oman were "on track for finalisation and were going through their final stages." However, no additional details about the agreement were released.

Oman had not issued an official comment on the negotiations at the time of the announcement.

Iran Separates Route Talks From Strait Reopening

Baqaei stressed that the proposed agreement with Oman is separate from the issue of reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

He said the understanding on a new maritime route does not depend on whether the strategic waterway remains closed or reopens.

According to Baqaei, Iran holds the United States responsible for the closure of the Strait. He accused Washington of violating its commitments and taking hostile actions against Iran.

He said: "The Strait was closed because of the United States' breach of its commitments, its naval blockade of Iran, and all the hostile measures that the United States has taken against the Islamic Republic of Iran during this period."

Strait of Hormuz Remains a Key Global Shipping Route

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime passages. Around 20% of global oil consumption normally passes through the strategic waterway.

According to the report, Iran has effectively maintained control over the Strait since the outbreak of war on February 28.

Previous Iran-US Agreement Collapsed

Iran and the United States signed an agreement in mid-June that ended months of hostilities. The deal included provisions related to the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of diplomatic talks aimed at reaching a broader agreement.

However, the agreement later collapsed after both countries accused each other of violating its terms. The breakdown was followed by US attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes by Tehran across the region.