TEHRAN – Web Desk: Iran has confirmed ongoing talks with Oman to establish a joint bilateral maritime route in the Strait of Hormuz, aimed at improving and securing shipping through the critical waterway, according to Iranian media.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told his weekly press briefing in Tehran that the primary goal of the talks is to replace the existing separate northern and southern routes with a shared central maritime corridor. He said the proposed route is being designed to equally account for the interests and security concerns of both Iran and Oman.
Baghaei said no third country is involved in the discussions, which are being conducted exclusively between Tehran and Muscat. Oman’s Foreign Ministry has neither confirmed nor denied the talks.
Analysts say if both countries agree on a joint arrangement and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz normalizes, it could facilitate global trade and the shipment of crude oil and natural gas, with positive effects on the global economy. The Strait is one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, through which a large portion of global oil and gas passes.
