Iran, Oman Agree Temporary Shipping Corridor for Strait of Hormuz

 

Iran and Oman have agreed on a framework to restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, including a temporary joint shipping corridor and plans for joint mine-clearing operations.

The agreement followed talks in Tehran between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who said the initiative was aimed at resuming safe navigation while respecting the sovereignty and sovereign rights of both countries.

The phased framework provides for a temporary navigation corridor while Iran and Oman pursue negotiations on a permanent route and the future administration of the strategic waterway.

Discussions will also cover information exchange, traffic management, and navigational and security services.

The two countries said they would consult other Persian Gulf littoral states and ensure any future arrangements comply with international law.

The agreement gives effect to provisions in a US-Iran memorandum of understanding signed in June, which called for Iran to facilitate safe commercial passage through Hormuz and engage Oman on the waterway’s future administration.