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Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on the geographical coordinates of a new route through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei. The announcement comes amid ongoing consultations between the two countries over maritime safety in the strategic waterway.

In a statement quoted by Iran's Foreign Ministry on its official Telegram channel, Baghaei said that "geographical parameters of the route, which were being discussed by the sides, have been agreed." He added that a joint statement outlining the major provisions is now in its final stages of approval, unless "certain third countries" obstruct the process.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting from TASS, the Russian state news agency, presents a sequence of developments. On August 4, Baghaei told Iranian state television that negotiations had not yet been finalized. The following day, he confirmed that the coordinates had been agreed upon. A separate report details remarks by Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, relayed by the IRNA news agency, indicating that the route would be operational for two to four months.

The reports also note that Iran's state-run broadcaster, citing sources, said the future agreement does not mean the Strait of Hormuz will be automatically reopened for maritime traffic. This, the report said, depends fully on the United States.

Key Claims

  • Iran and Oman have agreed on the geographical coordinates of a new route via the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei. A joint statement may be released soon.
  • The agreement does not automatically reopen the Strait of Hormuz for maritime traffic; according to Iranian state media, this depends on the United States.
  • Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the route will be temporary, operational for two to four months, but could remain in effect for a longer period depending on negotiations with Oman. He cited uncertainty about future conditions in the waterway as a factor.
  • Negotiations are still ongoing and focused on determining safe shipping routes for vessels in both directions, while respecting the sovereign rights and national security considerations of both Iran and Oman.
  • The negotiations are assessed positively at both the technical and political levels, according to Baghaei, who said the outcome will be announced after results are summed up.
Earlier reporting by Press TV, as cited in TASS coverage, suggested that Iran and Oman are jointly developing a new central route through the Strait of Hormuz, after which the southern and northern routes would be closed.