Iran and Oman are reportedly close to finalizing an agreement that would establish a designated shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, according to statements from Iran's foreign ministry.
The two nations, situated on opposite sides of the strategically vital waterway, have been engaged in discussions to devise a framework for managing passage through the strait. Iran previously imposed restrictions on the strait, a critical conduit for global oil and gas, in response to actions by the United States and Israel.
Esmail Baghaei, spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, stated that the "geographic coordinates of the route envisioned by both sides have been agreed upon." He added that, barring obstruction by unspecified "third parties," a joint statement outlining the core agreements is in the final stages of preparation.
Sources familiar with the potential accord indicated that ships entering the Persian Gulf would navigate a channel under Iranian control near its coast, while vessels departing the gulf would utilize a route closer to Oman. The details regarding any fees or tolls have been a point of contention, with Iranian officials suggesting a "service fee" to cover environmental impact and security, to be shared by both nations.
However, a U.S. official described Iran's account of the negotiations as "not accurate," asserting that any established routes would not require Iranian approval and would not involve tolls.
