Iran has made significant strides in the negotiations with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the talks with Iran have reached the final stage with Oman. Iranian officials say the aim of the talks is to promote cooperation in maritime transport in the region and develop a common approach.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated the discussions with Oman are moving forward and advances have been made on various key matters. He said both nations are thinking about measures that will facilitate the use of sea routes in a safe and orderly manner.
However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai clarified that it is wrong to equate the new sea route or cooperation agreement with Oman with the closing or opening of the Strait of Hormuz. These negotiations are merely limited to administrative and practical cooperation towards more effective and organised maritime transport, he said.
The Strait of Hormuz is a significant strait in the world, with a vast volume of crude oil and liquefied natural gas being shipped to various countries via this route. This is why the diplomatic effort and the work conducted here are monitored by the whole world’s energy market and business circles.
Experts believe the ongoing discussions between Iran and Oman is significant in the regional stability, maritime security, and economic cooperation framework. Further strengthening of maritime transport management and regional cooperation can be achieved through a common framework, if mutual agreement is reached.
Iranian officials have repeated that the current negotiation is not about altering the status of the Strait of Hormuz as a law of the sea issue but rather about creating a “mechanism of cooperation” that can help increase confidence and safe maritime activities in the Strait of Hormuz.