Iran: New Strait of Hormuz Route Is Temporary

Iran's deputy foreign minister said Tuesday that an agreement with Oman means activating a joint route in the Strait of Hormuz will close the southern passage of the vital waterway. Kazem Gharibabadi stated the agreed transit route is 7 nautical miles wide and temporary, with negotiations for a permanent route to follow. He emphasized that the strait will only reopen under Iranian arrangements, with ships entering through Iranian waters and exiting via Omani territorial waters. The understanding does not mean reopening the strait immediately, as negotiations lasting 30 to 60 days will address future management arrangements. Oman and Iran previously discussed a phased framework for safe navigation, including a joint demining project, amid the ongoing war's impact on the waterway.