Tehran: Iran announced that a joint statement with Oman regarding a proposed navigation corridor through the Strait of Hormuz is nearing completion, assuming no external interference occurs in the process. This development was disclosed on Wednesday, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts between the two nations.

According to Anadolu Agency, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei revealed that Tehran and Muscat have engaged in two months of discussions aimed at establishing a secure route for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway crucial for global oil transportation. Baqaei emphasized the comprehensive evaluation of the proposal by Iranian authorities, considering technical, legal, security, and environmental aspects.

Baqaei characterized the negotiations as both professional and productive, noting that the two nations have agreed on the geographic coordinates of the proposed shipping route. He stated that if no external parties disrupt the process, the joint statement outlining key considerations and agreements between Iran and Oman is in the final stages of review and drafting.

Despite the progress, Baqaei cautioned that the Iranian-Omani agreement alone would not ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. He pointed out that the security concerns in the region are still heavily influenced by ongoing United States actions against Iran. Baqaei attributed the closure of the Strait to what he described as US and Israeli military aggression against Iran. He expressed concerns that the factors contributing to the insecurity of the waterway, including the US naval blockade and other hostile actions targeting Iran and its interests, continue to persist.