Iran, Oman agree on new Strait of Hormuz shipping route, announcement expected in coming days: Mohsen Rezaei

TEHRAN: Iranian Supreme National Security Council chief Mohsen Rezaei has said that Iran and Oman have finalized a map for a new maritime route for the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, with a formal understanding between the two countries expected to be signed in the coming days.

According to Rezaei, Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on the maps identifying the new shipping route, which will be announced following the formal signing. The move is aimed at providing commercial vessels with an alternative and more organized route through the strategically important waterway.

The development comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States, which have severely disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying a significant share of global oil supplies.

Iran has also announced the establishment of a new restricted maritime zone near the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Associated Press, Rezaei warned that vessels entering the zone could face Iranian restrictions or other measures.

Iran and Oman have been holding talks for several weeks on measures to regulate maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, the two countries had also discussed establishing a temporary joint shipping corridor and cooperation on the possible clearance of sea mines in the waterway.

The agreement on a new shipping route is being viewed as a significant development toward restoring safe commercial maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. However, amid the continuing military tensions in the region, it remains unclear when vessel traffic will be fully restored along the new route.