Iran and Oman have agreed on a new maritime traffic route map in the Strait of Hormuz, with both countries working to finalise a joint agreement aimed at ensuring safe passage, protecting national interests and addressing international shipping concerns amid rising tensions surrounding the strategically important waterway.
Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on the map of a new maritime traffic route through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Monday. The development comes as Tehran and Muscat continue negotiations aimed at establishing a safer mechanism for maritime passage through the key international waterway.
Speaking at his weekly press conference in Tehran, Baghaei said the two countries had made progress in talks concerning the designation of a safe route for ships navigating the Strait of Hormuz. According to the Iranian official, both sides have agreed on the route map and are now working toward completing the broader agreement.
Baghaei said the final arrangement is expected to be presented as a package containing the agreed map and a joint statement. The two countries are currently exchanging views on the wording of the joint statement before formally finalising the agreement.
The Iranian spokesman attributed the prolonged negotiations to the complexity of the issue, the involvement of multiple parties seeking to influence the process and what he described as attempts by certain “malicious parties” to interfere with the discussions.
Despite the challenges, Baghaei stressed that Tehran and Muscat are continuing their talks seriously. He said both countries are seeking to create a mechanism that can safeguard their respective interests while addressing their concerns and considering the requirements of international maritime shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically significant waterways, serving as a major route for global energy transportation. Any disruption to shipping through the strait could have wider implications for international trade and energy markets, making the proposed safe maritime route particularly significant.
The announcement also comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and the United States over regional security and Tehran’s nuclear programme. Baghaei also addressed an Iran-US memorandum of understanding signed on June 18, under which negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear issue and the removal of sanctions were expected to take place within 60 days.
According to Baghaei, that period ends on Monday, but the negotiations did not begin. He blamed the failure to start the discussions on what he described as “flagrant and extensive violations” of the agreement by the United States.
Meanwhile, Iran has continued to assert its authority over the Strait of Hormuz. On Saturday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi said the strait would be closed and reopened only under Iran’s command.
Gharibabadi made the remarks on X in response to a claim by US President Donald Trump that he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz to be US territory.
The Iranian diplomat rejected the suggestion that the waterway could be controlled through military pressure or political statements. He said Iran would not be intimidated by threats or displays of military strength.
Against this backdrop, the agreement between Iran and Oman on a new maritime route could represent an important step toward establishing clearer arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The final joint statement and implementation of the agreed route are expected to provide further clarity on how the proposed mechanism will operate.
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The development highlights the importance of continued diplomatic engagement between Iran and Oman as both countries seek to balance national security concerns with the needs of international maritime traffic through the strategically vital waterway.
