Oman deal will not mean reopening of Strait of Hormuz: Araghchi

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says an understanding expected to be reached with Oman does not mean the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that Iran’s condition for reopening the strategic waterway is the return of the United States to its commitments under the Islamabad memorandum of understanding. In an interview with Al Araby Al Jadeed, Araghchi said the agenda of Monday’s meeting in Oman would include discussing a new maritime route in the Strait of Hormuz. “We will provide the details of the agreement with Oman and the maps related to the new route to the participating countries,” he said. Araghchi further clarified that an understanding with the Sultanate of Oman “in no way means the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.” Iran’s condition for reopening the strait was “the return of the United States to its commitments under the Islamabad memorandum,” he added. The foreign minister also said Tehran believed responsibility for ensuring regional security and stability rested solely with the countries of the region. “We hope these talks will pave the way for future consultations on issues of concern to the countries of the region,” he said. The comments came ahead of a regional meeting in Oman on Monday involving Iran, Iraq and other countries bordering the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman. Persian Gulf states to meet in Oman to discuss regional security, Hormuz navigation: Iran Iran and other Persian Gulf littoral states will meet in Oman on Monday to discuss regional issues. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Friday that the meeting would discuss regional issues as well as the outcome of Iran-Oman negotiations on establishing safe routes for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei described the initiative as an important step toward building trust and cooperation among regional countries and strengthening common regional security, away from external interference. Iran and Oman have been engaged in negotiations for nearly three months over arrangements for safe navigation through the strategic waterway. On Aug. 25, the two countries announced discussions on a phased framework that would initially establish a temporary joint maritime corridor, alongside a joint mine-clearance project. The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy chokepoint, with roughly one-fifth of global oil demand passing through the waterway. Iran has maintained heightened restrictions on navigation since the start of the US-Israeli military aggression against the country on Feb. 28, citing security concerns and the need to safeguard its sovereignty.