Iran says negotiations are making progress, with foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei reporting no major obstacles as talks continue
News Desk
TEHRAN: Iran and Oman have agreed on a navigation route through the Strait of Hormuz, marking progress in talks over the movement of maritime traffic through the strategically important waterway.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said there were no major obstacles in the negotiations and that discussions were continuing between the two sides. He said technical talks had made progress and focused on arrangements for navigation through the strait, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
Baghaei rejected claims that Iran was responsible for instability in the Strait of Hormuz. He said the waterway had remained stable until February 28, before accusing the United States and Israel of using the strait and surrounding areas against Iran. He said Iran had the right to take measures it considered necessary to protect its national security and interests.
The comments came amid heightened international attention on the Strait of Hormuz and its importance to global trade. The waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a major route for oil and other energy shipments.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the negotiations with Oman and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz were separate matters. He said the technical-level talks with Oman were focused specifically on maritime traffic and the arrangements required for ships to navigate the waterway.
Araghchi said the issue of reopening the strait depended on the United States meeting conditions agreed in a memorandum of understanding. His remarks indicated that progress in the technical talks with Oman did not necessarily mean that the wider dispute over the status of the waterway had been resolved.
Oman has traditionally played a role in facilitating dialogue between Iran and Western countries. Its involvement in the maritime discussions could therefore provide an avenue for reducing tensions and maintaining the flow of commercial shipping.
The agreement on a navigation route was nevertheless presented by Iranian officials as a sign of progress in talks with Muscat. The developments came as tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz remained high. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway could have wider consequences for energy markets and international trade.
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