TEHRAN/BAGHDAD — The Iranian Foreign Ministry said on Monday that Iran-Oman negotiations on the designation of a temporary route for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz have reached their final stage.
The understanding between the two countries regarding the route's designation would likely be registered with the International Maritime Organization in the coming days, ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said at a weekly press conference in Tehran.
The insecurity in the waterway is a consequence of the US-Israeli "military aggression" against Iran, he said, noting, "Vessels will not be able to travel this route with confidence and a sense of security by the time this situation continues."
Responding to a question about a Sunday visit by a Qatari delegation to Iran, Baghaei said it took place as part of Qatar's efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
He said contacts between Iran and certain other regional countries that have long been trying to help reduce tensions "is an ongoing process."
In a joint statement late last month, Iran and Oman announced they had exchanged views on a proposed phased framework that includes establishing a temporary joint shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz and an agreement to implement a joint project to demine the waterway.
Technical talks between the two countries will continue to address the designation of a permanent shipping corridor, the future administration of the strait, and a mechanism for information exchange, traffic management, and security arrangements in the waterway, the statement added.
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S. Korea warned against Hormuz military involvement
Also on Monday, Baghaei warned South Korea against maintaining a military presence or participating in operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
Baghaei issued the warning in a post on X after Seoul said Friday that it was reviewing options, including military measures, to support "freedom of navigation" in the Strait of Hormuz.
He said that the relationship between Iran and South Korea has a history spanning more than 64 years, and that bilateral ties have consistently developed on the basis of mutual respect, while Iran attaches great importance to its friendly relations with South Korea.
He noted that the Iranian people were currently defending themselves against US "aggressive actions."
Iraqi foreign minister, Arab League chief discuss regional tensions
Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein met Monday in Cairo with Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy to discuss regional security tensions and navigation disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement by the Iraqi Foreign Ministry.
The two sides reviewed potential economic impacts on Arab nations, particularly Iraq, caused by disruptions to navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing its importance to global trade and energy supplies, the statement said.
Hussein stressed the importance of opening communication channels to de-escalate tensions between Tehran and Washington, adding that the Arab League could play a positive role.
Fahmy highlighted quiet diplomacy and dialogue to address crises, expressing readiness to support efforts to reduce regional tensions, the statement said.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the regular session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level.
