Iran has reached an important stage in negotiations with Oman to ensure the safe passage of commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Ismail Bekayi announced that the two countries have agreed on the geographical coordinates of the designated navigation corridor.
In a statement to official media, Bekayi said that as the two coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran and Oman have been continuing negotiations to determine a safe route for commercial ships. He noted that Iranian officials have examined the technical, legal, security and environmental dimensions of the route in detail.
Stating that the two sides have agreed on the geographical coordinates, Bekayi said that provided third parties do not obstruct the process, the joint declaration containing the agreed basic principles is in the final review and drafting stage.
Bekayi argued that the agreement between Iran and Oman alone would not be sufficient to ensure navigational safety in the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed that security risks in the strait persist due to "American interventions."
Iran had resumed talks with Oman on Monday regarding the determination of safe passage corridors in the strait. In a statement on Tuesday evening, Bekayi announced that progress had been made in technical and political negotiations.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz
The US and Israel declared war on Iran on February 28; according to the Tehran administration, more than 3,000 people were killed in the attacks. Iran, for its part, claimed that its retaliatory strikes caused American and Israeli casualties.
On June 18, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding and began negotiations for a final agreement. However, disagreements arose over ensuring navigational safety and freedom in the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions rose again between July 8 and 24. While the US carried out attacks on Iran, Tehran announced that it had targeted American military facilities and equipment, particularly in Jordan, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Iran and Oman share legal and geographical sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz and the navigation corridors.
