Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei announced at a weekly news conference in Tehran that talks between Iran and Oman on establishing a safe shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz had advanced.
Baghaei said the two countries were conducting serious negotiations on the issue and that the agreement reached was expected to be registered with the International Maritime Organization in the coming days.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
Baghaei claimed that the maritime blockade and economic pressure imposed by the United States on Iran targeted not only Iran but also the international community, free trade and the principles of the United Nations Charter.
Arguing that developments in the Strait of Hormuz could not be reduced to the term “tanker war” used by some circles, Baghaei said the events represented a broader situation that had begun with actions by the United States and Israel.
Baghaei alleged that the attacks on commercial vessels had been initiated by the United States and constituted “a terrorist act,” adding that Iran had the right to defend itself. He said Iran would continue taking measures it deemed necessary within this framework.
Pilots allegedly held in Qatar
Baghaei said the situation of three Iranian pilots allegedly being held in Qatar was also being followed through negotiations.
Baghaei said a technical delegation had visited Qatar to address the pilots’ situation and that technical discussions and negotiations were continuing. He said the Qatari delegation had held a positive meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on Saturday.
Baghaei also said delegations from Oman and Pakistan had visited Tehran last week and met with Iranian officials, adding that contacts with regional countries seeking to reduce tensions were continuing.
Possible South Korean military presence
Commenting on the possibility of South Korea maintaining a military presence in the Strait of Hormuz, Baghaei argued that such initiatives would make the problems in the region more complex.
Baghaei alleged that joining the actions of the United States would amount to becoming complicit in aggression.
