Iran has said it is close to reaching an agreement with Oman on a new maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran and Muscat work towards an arrangement that protects the sovereignty and security interests of both countries.
Iranian officials said that discussions over the proposed route had reached an advanced stage. However, no detailed map or operational plan for the new maritime corridor has yet been made public.
Iran Says Talks With Oman In Final Stages
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Tehran and Muscat were working on a route that would be acceptable to both sides. “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,” Esmaeil Baqaei said in an interview with state television, as reported by AFP.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also suggested that an agreement could be close.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency quoted Araghchi as saying negotiations with Oman, the other littoral state on the Strait of Hormuz, “were on track for finalisation and were going through their final stages.”Oman has not yet publicly commented on Iran’s announcement.
Why Strait Of Hormuz Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
Under normal conditions, around 20 per cent of global oil consumption passes through the strategic waterway, making any disruption a major concern for international energy markets and shipping companies. Iran has effectively maintained control over the strategic waterway since the war began on February 28.
New Route Not Linked To Reopening Strait, Iran Says
Baqaei stressed that negotiations with Oman over the proposed maritime route should not be seen as an indication that the Strait of Hormuz itself is about to reopen. “An understanding between Iran and Oman on a new route has nothing to do with whether the Strait of Hormuz is reopened or remains closed,” he said.
His remarks suggest Tehran views the bilateral maritime arrangement with Oman as a separate issue from the wider dispute surrounding access to the strategic waterway.
Tehran Blames US For Strait Closure
Iran has accused the United States of being responsible for the conditions that led to the closure of the Strait. “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,” Baqaei said.
The accusation comes amid continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington following the collapse of an earlier agreement intended to reduce hostilities.
Iran-US Agreement Collapsed After Fresh Attacks
Tehran and Washington had signed an agreement in mid-June aimed at ending months of conflict. The deal included provisions concerning the Strait of Hormuz as well as steps towards restarting diplomatic engagement. However, the agreement later fell apart after Iran and the US accused each other of violating its terms.
Tensions subsequently escalated again, with US strikes targeting Iran and Tehran responding with retaliatory attacks across the region.
The proposed Iran-Oman maritime route could now become an important development for regional shipping, although its exact location, operating conditions and impact on commercial vessels remain unclear.
