Iran says talks with Oman continue on new Hormuz transit route

Iran and Oman are continuing talks to establish a secure maritime transit route through the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said, blaming security complications caused by US and Israeli military actions. “Drawing up the maritime transit route plan with Oman has been time-consuming due to security complexities,” Baghaei said, adding that “the issue is inherently complex”. Speaking on the proposed mechanism, Baghaei said it would aim to protect the sovereign rights and interests of both Iran and Oman while ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels. “This is the first time that a mechanism is being developed to simultaneously safeguard the sovereign rights of the two littoral states and ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels,” he said, adding that intensive talks to finalise a joint statement were continuing.