Joint statement issued by Oman, Iran: proposed temporary sea lanes in the Strait of Hormuz

On 26 August, the joint statement of Iran and Oman states: “The Minister for Foreign Affairs of Oman, His Excellency Al-Busaidi, held constructive consultations with the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iran, Al-Aragzi, during his working visit to Iran. The consultation focused on a matter to which the two countries attached great importance, namely, the restoration of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, while preserving the right of ownership and sovereignty. In view of the changes in the current situation in the Strait as a result of the recent war and its disastrous consequences, the Foreign Ministers of the two countries discussed a framework for a phased implementation that could provide a practical and land-based basis for moving the situation forward. The proposed framework includes the establishment of a temporary joint sea link in the Strait of Hormuz and agreement to implement a joint mine clearance project in the Strait. The parties will continue to engage in discussions at the technical level with a view to reaching agreement on the establishment of a permanent sea lane, the future management of the strait, and the exchange of information on traffic management and related maritime and security service delivery mechanisms. In this regard, the parties stress the need for joint dialogue with the countries bordering the Persian Gulf. At the same time, they also stressed the need to respect applicable international law and the sovereign rights of the littoral States.”