Iran, Oman agree on new shipping route map for Strait of Hormuz

Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on a new shipping route map for the Strait of Hormuz aimed at ensuring safer maritime navigation, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Saturday.

The agreement follows a June 18 memorandum of understanding between the two countries and three weeks of negotiations. Baghaei said the talks made positive progress despite what Tehran described as US obstacles.

He said some issues, including a possible joint statement, remain unresolved and negotiations will continue until the agreement is finalised.

Baghaei described the deal as an independent agreement between Iran and Oman that respects both countries’ sovereignty. However, Tehran said the restoration of normal commercial shipping through the strait would depend on an end to what it calls US military threats and a naval blockade.

The Strait of Hormuz is a key global shipping route for oil and gas exports.