Tehran (Monitoring Desk) — Iran has said that the immediate objective of ongoing talks with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz is not to reopen the waterway, but to agree on safe maritime routes and transit procedures for commercial vessels.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said during a press briefing that discussions between Iran and Oman are progressing in a positive and constructive manner. According to him, the two countries have reached a basic understanding regarding routes for maritime traffic, while consultations continue on certain technical points of a joint statement.
Esmaeil Baghaei clarified that determining safe maritime routes and fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz are two different matters. He said other factors are behind the current situation and that addressing what Iran describes as US violations would be necessary to resolve the crisis.
The Iranian spokesperson referred to an alleged US violation of the Islamabad memorandum of understanding and the ongoing maritime blockade, saying that resolving these issues is essential for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
Asked about a possible transit fee, Esmaeil Baghaei said that Iran and Oman are currently not holding any final negotiations regarding the amount or distribution of such fees.