Iran has announced that negotiations with Oman to establish a new shipping route in the Hormuz Strait are in the final stages. However, it has made it clear that it will not accept a complete reopening of the strait to pre-war conditions.
Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, stated on August 2 that "both sides will reach an agreement on a route that is acceptable to both."
Baghaei emphasized that "the new route will not be the existing North or South routes," adding that it will respect the sovereignty of both nations while protecting Iran's national interests and security.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also noted before a cabinet meeting that negotiations with Oman regarding the Hormuz Strait are nearing completion. Specific details about the route's location and vessel operation methods have not been disclosed.
Iran claims it must determine the navigation methods in the Hormuz Strait in consultation with Oman and regional countries, in accordance with a ceasefire memorandum signed with the United States.
Baghaei stated, "There will never be a return to the past state of the Hormuz Strait," drawing a line against the U.S. demand for full reopening.
He claimed that after the ceasefire agreement was implemented, the North route was safely maintained for 22 to 23 days, allowing vessels to pass normally, but the U.S. attacked Iran before the 30-day deadline for normalizing maritime traffic expired.
The U.S. maintains that free passage of vessels in the Hormuz Strait must be guaranteed. In contrast, Iran is committed to establishing a new route and management system with Oman, indicating that tensions over the operation of the strait are likely to continue.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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