1 week ago

Iran Keeps Strait of Hormuz Militarily Closed, Offers Oman Route

Iran Keeps Strait of Hormuz Militarily Closed, Offers Oman Route
'Militarily closed': Iran says Oman route does not mean Strait of Hormuz is reopening · wionews.com

Iran says the Strait of Hormuz has not reopened, even though it agreed with Oman on a temporary shipping route.

The route would allow commercial ships to enter the Persian Gulf through Iranian waters.

Ships leaving the Gulf would use Omani territorial waters, but they would also pass through Iranian waters.

The route would be about seven miles wide.

Military ships would not be allowed to use it.

Iran and Oman plan to discuss a permanent route within 30 to 60 days.

Iran says the route was designed with help from its armed forces.

Iran says the waterway is important to its national security because it suffered damage under the previous arrangement.

Donald Trump warned that the United States would respond immediately if new mines were placed in international waters.

Key facts

Current status
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains militarily closed and will not reopen immediately.
Temporary route
Ships would enter the Persian Gulf through Iranian waters and leave through Omani territorial waters; ships would pass through Iranian waters in both directions.
Route width
The proposed route would have a total width of about seven miles.
Permitted vessels
Only commercial vessels would be allowed to use the temporary route; military vessels would be excluded.
Permanent arrangement
Iran and Oman are expected to negotiate a new permanent route within 30 to 60 days.
Iranian coordination
The joint working group includes the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ports and Maritime Organization, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and its Navy, and the General Staff of the Armed Forces.
United States warning
Donald Trump said mines had been removed or detonated from international waters and warned that vessels laying new mines would be immediately and systematically destroyed.

Quotes

Kazem Gharibabadi

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister

“According to the memorandum of understanding, no military vessels will be allowed to pass through, and only commercial vessels will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”
firstpost.com
“This route is temporary, and Iran and Oman must negotiate a new permanent route within 30 to 60 days to replace the previous maritime traffic plan.”
republicworld.com

Sources

Related news