Tehran Reveals Details of Arrangements Regarding the Strait of Hormuz

Iran and Oman are close to agreeing on a new scheme for the movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. However, its approval will not mean the automatic full opening of one of the most important maritime routes for the global energy market.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that negotiations have been ongoing for more than three weeks. The sides have already generally agreed on routes for vessels entering and exiting the strait, and have also discussed technical and security conditions.

The project envisions the creation of a joint coordination center that will manage maritime traffic and receive information from vessels. Some of the new corridors will pass through Iranian territorial waters, while for decades the main commercial shipping routes have passed through Omani waters.

After the launch of the new scheme, temporary routes near the Iranian island of Larak and in Omani territorial waters are to be closed. The proposed arrangement may be in effect for two to four months or longer, but its implementation requires a separate decision by the top leadership of Iran.

Gharibabadi emphasized that the agreement concerns the organization of vessel traffic, but does not by itself open the strait. According to him, Tehran is putting forward additional conditions related to US actions, in particular demanding guarantees that previous commitments will be honored and that a new escalation will be prevented.

The Iranian diplomat also denied that Tehran is currently negotiating directly with the US regarding the strait. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump stated that the waterway could open soon and that negotiations are taking place with the Iranian side.

Oman and Iran previously established a joint committee to develop a future maritime traffic arrangement. Both countries have expressed their intention to ensure safe passage in accordance with international law, while retaining sovereign rights over their territorial waters.

The Strait of Hormuz remains critically important for oil and gas supplies from the Persian Gulf. Its full opening could ease risks to maritime trade, energy supplies, and global oil prices.

Based on materials from: IRNA, Oman Ministry of Foreign Affairs, CNN