Iran Says Hormuz Strait Talks with Oman Go Constructively

Strait of Hormuz. (Wikimedia Commons/Ali khodabakhsh)

JAKARTA - Iran on Monday said negotiations with Oman on transit traffic in the Strait of Hormuz were "smooth and constructive."

"An understanding has been reached regarding the shipping traffic map, and consultations are continuing to finalize some technical points in the joint statement," Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said at a weekly news conference, as quoted by the semi-official Tasnim news agency, Anadolu (10/8).

Furthermore, Baghaei said, a mechanism would be formed to ensure the safety of maritime traffic, protect the environment, and deal with "maritime crime".

"It is also emphasized that related costs and tariffs will be imposed for the provision of maritime services for ships," he added.

He explained that the main goal of the ongoing talks between Tehran and Muscat "is to reach a long-term understanding that guarantees full security in the strait."

"The discussion with Oman is only a bilateral process to determine safe routes for international shipping and has nothing to do with political differences," he added.

Baghaei also stressed that the Strait of Hormuz would not be reopened until Washington met Tehran's demands, including the lifting of a naval blockade on Iranian ports.

This statement comes amid a stalemate in negotiations over the future of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding in June with the mediation of Pakistan and Qatar, ending active hostilities and initiating negotiations toward a broader deal.

The memorandum of understanding includes plans for a gradual recovery of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

However, its implementation was halted because both parties accused each other of violating the terms of the agreement.