Iran and Oman have agreed on a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz

According to information received on 15 August, it appears that Iran and Oman are gradually reaching an agreement on the modalities for the management of the Strait of Hormuz and that the parties have agreed on the route of shipping through this critical waterway. The Strait of Hormuz has been one of the main obstacles to resolving the almost six months of war between Iran and the United States and to moving forward the armistice negotiations. The spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Baghae, stated that the finalization of a “map of shipping” was part of a broader agreement to regulate shipping arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz and was an independent arrangement between Iran and Oman. The arrangement would preserve the sovereignty of both States and ensure the safe passage of vessels. Previous reports by the Iranian National News Agency do not indicate whether the vessel is required to pay a toll, nor do they disclose the security measures to be taken, but simply indicate that the parties will hold the next phase of negotiations. This progress is taking place at a time when the Strait of Hormuz has recently been repeatedly attacked. The United States was not involved in the negotiations and was unlikely to accept any agreement that would not allow the route to resume. Kim Xian