Iran has finalized an agreement with Oman concerning a designated shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei. While the specific geographical coordinates have been settled, Baqaei noted that the arrangement is currently in its final stages.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi indicated that the proposed route would serve as a temporary measure, potentially remaining operational for a period of two to four months. Despite this development, Iranian officials emphasized that the agreement alone does not ensure safe passage. Tehran continues to cite the ongoing United States naval blockade of its ports and broader regional hostilities as primary factors undermining security in the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, has seen significantly reduced traffic since the onset of conflict in late February. Iran has enforced strict passage requirements and previously targeted vessels that failed to comply with its directives.
The announcement follows recent warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that Iran would face severe consequences if the strait is not reopened promptly. While U.S. officials have suggested that discussions regarding the resumption of shipments have advanced, Iran maintains that it is not engaged in direct negotiations with Washington.
Previous attempts to stabilize the region, including a June Memorandum of Understanding aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the strait, collapsed shortly after being signed. Current regional instability is further compounded by a separate blockade of Saudi Arabian ports in the Red Sea, which has been maintained by Yemen's Houthi rebels since July 20.
Source: BBC News
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