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Sunday, 16 August 2026dailybeirut.com
World
Iran announced it has reached an agreement with Oman on a maritime navigation map for the Strait of Hormuz, despite U.S. obstacles, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei.
Iran and Oman have finalized an agreement on a coordinated maritime navigation map for the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei confirmed at a press conference.
Baghaei stated that negotiations between the two countries advanced steadily and positively despite impediments imposed by the United States and “some other parties,” which repeatedly disrupted the process at various stages.
He described the agreement as the outcome of institutional cooperation across multiple domestic agencies, led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and involving active participation from Iran’s defense, security, and environmental sectors.
Baghaei noted that formal talks with Oman began approximately two to three months ago—coinciding roughly with the signing of the memorandum of understanding to end the war—and that discussions had previously approached conclusion on several occasions.
Over the past three weeks, negotiations proceeded smoothly and made significant forward progress, he added, reiterating that both sides had already agreed on the core navigation map.
He clarified that certain elements remain under discussion, including the wording of a joint statement to be issued by Iran and the Sultanate of Oman, and that bilateral communications and reciprocal visits continue. An official announcement will follow once the final text is finalized.
Baghaei emphasized that the understanding is an independent bilateral arrangement between two littoral states, aimed solely at ensuring safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz while fully preserving the sovereignty and sovereign rights of both nations.
On future steps—particularly the restoration of security in the strait—he stressed that such developments depend on additional factors and considerations, adding that the root causes of insecurity in the waterway stem from “unlawful U.S. measures and interventions.”
