Iran and Oman make progress on agreement for shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on the geographical coordinates of a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Wednesday (5). According to him, a joint statement between the two countries is in its final stages of preparation. Baghaei stated that negotiations between Tehran and Muscat were conducted "professionally" and remain ongoing, culminating in a consensus on the geographical parameters of the proposed route. "Both sides have reached a mutual understanding on the geographical parameters of the route under discussion," the spokesman said. According to Baghaei, barring any third-party interference, the joint statement containing the main points of the agreement should be released soon. Despite the progress in negotiations, the Iranian representative stressed that a possible bilateral agreement will not, by itself, be sufficient to guarantee the security of the strategic maritime route. Sources speaking to Reuters said the proposal under negotiation would allow Tehran to take control of vessels entering the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.

This text was translated by machine from Brazilian Portuguese.