Iran, Oman Agree Route for Ships Transiting Strait of Hormuz
Iran's spokesman says the geographical coordinates have been settled, but warns the waterway remains unsafe because of US actions.
Iran and Oman have agreed on a route for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said, according to state news agency IRNA.
"The geographical coordinates of the route envisaged by the two sides have been agreed upon and, if certain third parties do not obstruct the process, the joint statement of the two countries, containing the main considerations and points of agreement, is also in the final review and drafting stage," he said.
Iran has seized de facto control of the strait, a strategic waterway for the global energy trade, since the US and Israel launched their war against the country on Feb 28.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly insisted that Tehran is keen to strike a deal to reopen the shipping route, but Iran denies this and says it will instead make arrangements with its neighbour across the strait, Oman.
According to the report, Baqaei told journalists that talks with Oman were moving forward, but that even if an understanding was reached, it would not mean the strait had become safe for all passing vessels.
"The factors making the Strait of Hormuz insecure still exist on the part of the US, particularly the naval blockade and other aggressive and threatening actions against Iran and its interests," he said.
Before the war, Hormuz carried around a fifth of the world's oil and LNG exports. Prices have repeatedly surged since the dispute over the waterway erupted, piling economic and political pressure on Washington to end it.
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