U.S. Media Reports Iran and Oman Close to Reaching Navigation Agreement in the Strait of Hormuz
Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, August 4 - U.S. media reported on the 3rd, citing Iranian and American officials, that Iran and Oman are close to reaching an agreement regarding navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
The New York Times reported that under the proposed agreement, vessels entering the Persian Gulf will navigate through a route near the Iranian coast controlled by Iran, while outgoing vessels will take a route closer to Oman.
Several Iranian officials stated that vessels traveling back and forth will need to pay a "service fee," which will be shared equally between Iran and Oman.
However, an American official familiar with the negotiations said that the Iranian officials' statements were "inaccurate," and that the establishment of any "temporary" route in the Strait of Hormuz does not require Iranian approval and will not charge passing vessels.
Iranian officials indicated that even if Iran and Oman reach an agreement, if the U.S. does not lift the blockade on Iranian ports and does not resume the implementation of the previously agreed 14-point memorandum of understanding between Iran and the U.S., the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei stated in a program aired on the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting on the 2nd that Iran and Oman are working to delineate a new route in the Strait of Hormuz under a framework of separate navigation to ensure the sovereignty rights of both parties as well as Iran's national interests and security. Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif stated that negotiations between Iran and Oman regarding the joint management of the Strait of Hormuz have entered the final stage.
U.S. President Trump stated on the 3rd at the White House that the U.S. will not allow Iran to charge vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, saying, "If there is to be a charge, it should be collected by us." (Hui Xiaoshuang)
Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, with ships entering the Persian Gulf using a route near Iran and outgoing vessels using a route near Oman. Iranian officials stated that service fees will be shared between the two nations, although U.S. officials contest this claim. The negotiations are reportedly in the final stages, with Iran emphasizing the need to protect its sovereignty and national interests.
- Iran and Oman are close to reaching a navigation agreement in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Ships entering the Persian Gulf will use a route near the Iranian coast, while outgoing ships will use a route near Oman.
- Iran and Oman will share service fees from passing ships.
- U.S. officials claim that any temporary navigation routes do not require Iranian approval and will not incur fees.
- Iran's Foreign Ministry emphasizes the importance of sovereignty and national interests in the negotiations.