Shippingtelegraph:Iran, Oman to set up framework for Hormuz corridor; Iran, Qatar discuss project to clear mines

Published by shippingtelegraph

Iran and Oman are setting up the framework of a temporary corridor for commercial vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, the key commercial waterway whose traffic has been stymied amid the U.S. war on Iran.

The proposed framework includes the establishment of a joint temporary navigational corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the Strait of mines.

Omani foreign minister Badr Albusaidi paid a working visit to Iran, where he held consultations with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi.

The Omani foreign ministry said the consultations focused on the importance both countries attach to the resumption of safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz while preserving their sovereignty and sovereign rights.

Badr Albusaidi wrote on the social platform X that the dialogue with his Iranian counterpart, Araghchi, about the new corridor was “constructive.”

“I am hopeful we will soon announce a temporary corridor for the Strait of Hormuz and practical arrangements to restore safe navigation,” said Badr Albusaidi. “Future management of the Strait and a permanent solution will follow in due course, as per article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum. Discussions with regional partners will be conducted in support of peace and cooperation, stability and freedom of navigation.”

Technical negotiations between the two countries would continue with a view to agreeing on a permanent navigational corridor and future administration of the Strait, as well as a mechanism for information-sharing, traffic management, and the provision of relevant navigational and security services.

In this context, Oman and Iran underscored the importance of convening joint discussions with regional states bordering the waters of the Persian Gulf.

Araghchi separately wrote that during the talks with Pakistani and Omani guests, “regional solutions were stressed.”

In a post on social media platform X, Araghchi stated that the “Proposed framework for new corridor, joint mine-clearing, and future management of Hormuz is case in point.”

US president Donald Trump previously threatened Oman over potentially striking a separate deal with Iran.

The closure of the strait, lopping off the export of crude oil, caused gas and energy prices to soar in the months since the war began in February. The strait reopened following ceasefires and interim peace deals, including the memorandum of understanding signed by the U.S. and Iran in June, but they have all fizzled out.

Iran, Qatar discuss ‘joint project’ to clear mines in Hormuz

Iran’s top diplomat met his Qatari counterpart on Thursday in Tehran for talks on the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

Qatari prime minister and minister of foreign affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met in Tehran on Thursday with Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi.

Qatar’s foreign ministry said they discussed efforts to de-escalate tensions and create a conducive environment for dialogue.

The meeting also addressed ongoing discussions regarding the proposed interim framework, which includes the establishment of a temporary joint shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to clear the strait of mines.

During the meeting, Qatar’s foreign minister stressed the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of neighboring countries and freedom of navigation, emphasizing the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions and resolve disputes through dialogue.

For his part, the Iranian foreign minister expressed his gratitude to the State of Qatar for its continued diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and supporting dialogue.

The discussions come as diplomatic efforts intensify over security and navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route.