Iran Says Hormuz Mechanism Talks With Oman in Final Stages

TEHRAN: Iran said Sunday that negotiations with Oman to establish a mutual mechanism for the Strait of Hormuz are in their final stages, stressing that the discussions are bilateral and unrelated to whether the strategic waterway remains open or closed.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the talks are aimed at developing a shared mechanism for transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

“The understanding with Oman over a new transit route has nothing to do with whether the Strait of Hormuz remains open or closed,” Baghaei said, adding that the strait had been closed because the United States “reneged on its commitments and imposed a blockade.”

Baghaei emphasized that the negotiations involve only Iran and Oman and do not concern any other country.

Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the discussions with Oman have reached their final stages, according to Iran's state news agency IRNA, indicating that an agreement on the proposed mechanism may be finalized soon.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, serving as a key route for global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.