🔻Gharib Abadi: Iran and Oman have reached an understanding over a temporary route in the Strait of Hormuz; an agreement is in the final stages

Kazem Gharib Abadi, deputy foreign minister of Iran, said that if the new understanding with Oman is implemented, “other existing temporary routes in the Strait of Hormuz will be closed.” He said the two countries’ understanding is on the verge of being finalized.

Mr. Gharib Abadi, in an interview with the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA), said: “The latest situation is that almost on all of the issues raised, including the map of the routes for the entry and exit of maritime traffic and its side dimensions, we have reached a fundamental understanding with Oman.”

He added about the new route: “The route that is currently under discussion with Oman is a temporary route.”

In explaining the new route, he said: “According to this understanding, the northern route that had been created near Larak Island and the southern route that is in Oman’s internal waters will be closed, because these were completely temporary routes. If this new understanding that is being formed between Iran and Oman (upon fulfillment of the relevant requirements) enters the implementation phase, then this new route for the passage of ships will be put into effect.”

The deputy foreign minister also said: “A significant part of this new route is located in Iran’s territorial waters, and part of it is also in Oman’s territorial waters. That is, it is designed in such a way that commercial ships will pass through Iran’s territorial waters both in the entry route and in parts of the exit route.”

He continued that the talks with Oman lasted three weeks.

Regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, he also stressed: “It must be assessed whether the United States truly has the readiness to return to its commitments or not.”

In response to the question about Iran’s condition for reopening the Strait of Hormuz—namely the return of the United States to the commitments it had given in the Islamabad understanding note—he said: “A necessary condition is required, but of course it is not a sufficient condition. We are facing issues from the United States such as breaking promises and violations of commitments, which ultimately must be resolved somewhere. Whatever the resolution is—whether through a new commitment or through a new statement or political remark—it can create initial assurances.”