Gharibabadi: Iran-Oman understanding does not mean full reopening of Hormuz Strait

Pars Today – Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister announced that the Iran-Oman understanding on new arrangements for the passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is nearing its final stage, and that this new model does not mean the complete reopening of the strait.

According to Pars Today, citing IRNA, Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, said that while more than three weeks have passed since the start of intensive consultations between the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sultanate of Oman regarding new navigation routes, the talks have not been simple due to fundamental changes in regional conditions and the historical sensitivities surrounding maritime traffic.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister added that, alongside route planning, issues such as the sovereignty of coastal states, future arrangements, the establishment of a joint coordination center to manage maritime traffic between Iran and Oman, and obtaining information from vessels intending to pass through the Strait of Hormuz are also being finalized within the framework of the understanding.

He emphasized that the new Iran-Oman understanding does not mean the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and said that its implementation has its own specific requirements.

Gharibabadi also said that the United States had violated its commitments under the Islamabad memorandum of understanding, reinstated a naval blockade, and resumed the war. Therefore, Iran is not pursuing implementation of the previous framework, and what is currently being discussed is a new model based on present circumstances.

He stressed that this matter should proceed exclusively between Iran and Oman, and that Iran does not recognize any right for other countries to interfere.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister continued by saying that under the new model, the southern route of the Strait of Hormuz will be closed and previous temporary routes will be abandoned. According to him, a significant part of the new route will be located in Iran’s territorial waters, while another part will be within Oman’s territorial waters, allowing commercial vessels to pass through Iranian territorial waters both when entering and during part of their exit route.

Gharibabadi noted that this route is temporary and could remain valid for around two to four months or longer. He added that moving to the second phase would require new decisions after the necessary requirements are fulfilled and an agreement is reached with Oman.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister also addressed the issue of enforcement guarantees, saying that the negotiations took place amid a lack of trust toward the United States and that the foundation supporting this route is “Iran’s power.” He added that Iran has demonstrated that it is not dependent on any single agreement, and if the other side fails to comply, Iran will also abandon its commitments. He said that in the event of coercive actions, Iran will adopt an appropriate strategy.