Iran, Oman Agree on Shipping Route Map Through Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN: Iran has announced that it has reached an agreement with Oman on a new shipping route map aimed at ensuring the safe and orderly movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Iran and Oman, which share the coastlines of the strategic waterway, had signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 to establish safe maritime routes. Technical discussions between the two countries continued for several weeks following the agreement.

According to Baghaei, the talks resulted in an agreement on a map for the movement of vessels through the Strait. He said the discussions progressed positively and were aimed at ensuring safe, orderly and efficient maritime traffic.

However, an agreement on the route map does not mean that the Strait of Hormuz has been fully reopened. Iran continues to maintain certain conditions and says further steps are required before the waterway can be completely reopened.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes and carries a significant share of oil and gas transported by sea globally. Recent regional tensions have led to a substantial decline in commercial shipping through the waterway.

According to Saudi Gazette, further details regarding shipping arrangements and the next steps following the Iran-Oman agreement are expected to emerge in due course.