TEHRAN/MUSCAT, June 26 — Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Albusaidi discussed in a phone call on Thursday the administration of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
The two ministers reviewed the latest developments regarding navigation through the strategic waterway and temporary arrangements for vessels’ passage within a 60-day period set in a recently signed U.S.-Iran peace memorandum of understanding (MoU), read statements from both countries’ foreign ministries.
They highlighted the importance of continuing technical and expert interactions on the matter, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.
The two diplomats discussed a mechanism for joint cooperation to achieve the MoU’s objectives regarding freedom of navigation in a manner consistent with international law and respect for state sovereignty, according to Oman’s Foreign Ministry.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of a recent Iranian delegation visit to the Omani capital Muscat, and reaffirmed the importance of continuing consultations through diplomatic channels, said the ministries.
The phone call came after Oman and Iran issued a joint statement on Tuesday agreeing to establish a joint working group to negotiate the future administration of navigation in the strait.
Earlier on Thursday, the Navy of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guard Corps stressed that the only authorized routes for vessels’ passage are those announced by Iranian authorities, warning that traffic outside those routes is dangerous and prohibited.
The Navy’s announcement followed guidelines issued by the Oman Maritime Security Center for outbound ships’ passage through the strait under an arrangement with the International Maritime Organization.
Iran tightened its grip on the strait following joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory on Feb. 28, barring safe passage of vessels belonging to or affiliated with Israel and the United States.
Under the MoU signed on June 18, Iran has undertaken to arrange for the safe passage of commercial vessels through the strait with no charge for 60 days. (Namibia Daily News / Xinhua)
