▲ Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi
Amidst armed clashes between the United States and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz, the foreign ministers of Iran and Oman have held talks to exchange views on ensuring safe passage through the strait.
Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Oman has proposed a plan to manage shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz by dividing them into two separate routes: one in the south and one in the north.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s office shared details of the meeting held in Muscat, Oman, with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi via a Telegram channel on July 11 (local time).
Araghchi stated, "I exchanged views with Minister Albusaidi on appropriate mechanisms to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding."
Araghchi further noted, "The Omani Foreign Minister reaffirmed his position on utilizing diplomacy to prevent the escalation of regional tensions and expressed his hope that the previous memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States would be fully implemented to improve regional security."
The Oman News Agency (ONA) also reported that during the meeting, both sides agreed to continue discussions at the working and political levels to reach necessary agreements in accordance with international law.
Citing well-informed sources, CNN reported that "Oman has prepared a proposal to manage vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through two separate routes."
According to the proposal, which has not yet been finalized, both routes would remain open. The 'Southern Corridor,' which passes through Omani territorial waters, would guarantee free navigation just as it did before the conflict.
Conversely, vessels passing through the 'Northern Corridor,' which runs through Iranian territorial waters, would be required to obtain prior approval from Iran.
CNN added that the proposed agreement does not include any provisions for the imposition of separate transit fees.
(Photo: Captured from Minister Araghchi's Telegram, Yonhap News)
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