Iran, Oman agree on new Strait of Hormuz shipping route

Iran and Oman have agreed on the geographical coordinates of a new commercial shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, marking progress in negotiations aimed at enhancing the safety of maritime navigation in one of the world's most strategically important waterways.

The announcement was made by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei, according to the ministry's official Telegram channel.

"Negotiations between Iran and Oman, as the two littoral states of the Strait of Hormuz, have been ongoing over the past two months with the aim of determining a safe route for commercial shipping through the strait. Various technical, legal, security and environmental aspects have been examined by the competent authorities of our country," Baghaei said.

He described the talks between Tehran and Muscat as "professional" and "promising," indicating that the negotiations had reached an advanced stage.

"The geographical coordinates of the route outlined by the two sides have been agreed upon, and if third parties do not obstruct the process, a joint statement by the two countries, including the main considerations and provisions of the agreement, is also in the final stage of review and preparation," he said.

By Vafa Guliyeva