​Iran, Oman agree on new shipping route through Hormuz

Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on the geographical coordinates of a proposed safe shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.

A statement outlining the main considerations and points agreed upon will be issued soon, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Wednesday.

Under the arrangement, ships will enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled lane, while outbound vessels will go through an Omani-controlled route.

Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is expected to give his assent, though it is not yet clear if fees will be charged for security and environmental protection as previously surmised.

Baghaei, however, stressed that the pact with Oman would not guarantee safe passage for vessels due to the United States naval blockade and “other actions against Iran and its interests.”

Tehran and Muscat have been in talks for the past two months, with deliberations covering technical, legal, security, and environmental aspects handled by negotiators and relevant authorities.

Italy, meanwhile, has encouraged Iran to reopen Hormuz without tolls or restrictions, noting that unfettered transit is essential to regional stability and the global economy.

On Wednesday, Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi discussed the Hormuz situation, its impact on commercial traffic, and the Lebanon crisis.