Iran and Oman Work on Temporary Shipping Route in Strait of Hormuz
Iran and Oman are working to establish a temporary maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, while stressing that the talks do not mean the waterway will automatically reopen.
Araghchi said negotiations with Oman are focused on the technical issue of designing a safe route for ships because previously used routes are no longer operational. The temporary route could eventually become permanent.
Under Clause 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Iran, Tehran has a role in the security and future management of the Strait, including mine clearance. Iran and Oman have therefore formed a joint working group to discuss management of the waterway.
Araghchi said an agreement on the route could come soon, but stressed that reopening the Strait remains dependent on other conditions that Washington must meet.
