Iran Says Oman Strait Talks Near Deal
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said negotiations with Oman on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz are nearing an agreement, but stressed that this should not be read as a decision to reopen the strait. He said the talks remain under way and, because of technical complexities, the parties are drafting a temporary route. Oman separately said the negotiations are advancing in a positive and constructive atmosphere and have made progress that balances the interests of all sides. Oman also urged all parties to avoid any action that could affect the talks.
Key Points
- Araghchi said Iran and Oman are close to an agreement on Strait of Hormuz navigation, but that does not mean the strait will be reopened.
- Speaking at a press conference, Araghchi said technical complexities mean negotiators are now drafting a temporary route for passage.
- He added that reopening the strait depends on other conditions, including compensation for what he called US violations of a memorandum of understanding.
- Oman’s Foreign Ministry said on Saturday that talks on navigation arrangements are progressing actively and constructively, with advances reflecting all parties’ interests.
- Oman condemned repeated attacks on ships transiting the strait, saying they violate international law and threaten maritime, regional and territorial security.
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers, any prolonged uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz matters because the waterway is a critical shipping corridor and disruptions can quickly affect regional trade sentiment. The gap between progress in Oman-mediated talks and Iran’s conditions for reopening the strait suggests the immediate risk to maritime traffic has not fully disappeared.