MUSCAT — Oman and Iran are continuing talks on arrangements for managing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran saying on Saturday that the two sides were close to an agreement but that any deal would not by itself reopen the strategic waterway.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the negotiations were focused on establishing a temporary shipping route that could serve as a basis for a longer-term arrangement. He said discussions had involved military and naval officials from the two countries, according to Iranian state media.
The talks build on an agreement reached by Oman and Iran in June to maintain discussions through a joint working group between their foreign ministries. The two countries said then that the group would address the future administration of navigation in the strait, maritime services and associated costs, while consulting other littoral states and relevant parties.
Oman and Iran, which are the two coastal states bordering the Strait of Hormuz, have said arrangements for the waterway must respect their sovereignty and sovereign rights. They have also reaffirmed a commitment to safe passage and maintaining the strait as a secure and open route for international navigation.
Oman has separately said it is working with the International Maritime Organization on a temporary maritime corridor for vessels transiting the strait. Muscat said the proposed corridor was intended to facilitate freedom of navigation in accordance with international law and without transit fees.
The diplomatic effort comes as navigation through the waterway remains disrupted by the wider conflict involving Iran and the United States. Iran's Revolutionary Guard said on Saturday that reopening the strait was not dependent solely on the negotiations with Oman, but instead on whether Washington met conditions set by Tehran.
Iran has also said that an agreement with Oman would not itself guarantee the security or full reopening of the waterway. Washington has sought unrestricted commercial shipping through the strait, while Tehran has linked reopening to broader issues involving the United States.
Oman has continued to describe its role as neutral and has said it is cooperating with all parties to restore freedom of navigation while adhering to international law.
As of Aug. 9, no final Oman-Iran agreement restoring normal navigation through the Strait of Hormuz has been officially announced. Talks remain ongoing.
