TEHRAN, AUG 8: Iran and Oman are “very close” to reaching an accord on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday, though he said there would be conditions, including compensation for what Tehran says were US violations of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding.
Iran and Oman were discussing a temporary shipping route while technical and legal issues surrounding a permanent route were resolved, Araghchi added.
In turn, Oman said that negotiations with Iran about the future administration of the strait were “positive and constructive,” but warned against repeated attacks on shipping as Tehran pressed its blockade of the vital waterway.
Oman’s foreign ministry condemned “repeated attacks on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz,” without naming Iran. It added that “ongoing negotiations regarding navigation arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz are proceeding in a positive and constructive atmosphere,” and urged against any actions that might jeopardize the progress.
