Iran: Agreement reached with Oman on the route through Hormuz

Iran and Oman have reached an agreement on the geographical coordinates for the shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz and a joint statement is nearing completion if certain third parties do not interfere, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Bagai said.

He added that such an agreement between Iran and Oman would not in itself guarantee security on that strategic waterway.

A proposed agreement between Iran and Oman would give Tehran control over ships entering the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported, citing a senior Iranian source and two regional officials, in one of the biggest concessions to Iran so far.

Despite the apparent move towards giving in to Iranian demands, sources denied claims by US President Donald Trump that a deal to reopen the strait was within reach, saying important details still had to be agreed.

Bagai described the negotiations between Tehran and Muscat as professional and said they were progressing. He said the two sides had reached a mutual understanding on the geographical parameters of the route under discussion.

He added that, unless some third parties obstruct the process, a joint statement by the two countries, which contains the main aspects and key points of agreement, is in the final stages of revision and drafting, Hina reports.