Iran, Oman continue talks on safe shipping route through Strait of Hormuz: FM spokesperson
Iran, Oman continue talks on safe shipping route through Strait of Hormuz: FM spokesperson IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Aug 10, 2026, 1:17 PM News ID: 86232345 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran and Oman are continuing negotiations on a mechanism for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with the two sides yet to finalize a joint statement on the issue, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei says. Speaking at his weekly press conference on Monday, Baqaei responded to a question about whether Iran and Oman had discussed imposing transit fees on ships using a proposed new route through the strategic waterway, and whether such fees would be shared between the two countries, saying such details were not currently under discussion. "We are not discussing such details at this stage. The discussions are still continuing," he said, adding that the two sides had already reached an understanding on the navigation route. "Regarding the joint statement, there are still some technical points that are being discussed, but the negotiations are proceeding very smoothly and constructively," the spokesman said. Baqaei said the arrangements under discussion would include mechanisms to monitor the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, as well as cooperation on environmental issues, maritime services and combating crime. "Obviously, when you provide maritime services, you should also receive compensation for them," he said. 'Hormuz was not closed because of disagreement with Oman' Asked about the outcome of Iran-Oman talks and Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Baqaei rejected the notion that the waterway had been closed because of a disagreement between the two countries. "The Strait of Hormuz was not closed because of a difference of opinion between Iran and Oman!" he said. He attributed the closure to the US-Israeli military aggression against Iran, the exploitation of the strait, and the use of military bases located along the southern shores of the Persian Gulf to attack Iran. "Therefore, it is natural that determining the shipping route between Iran and Oman is a bilateral matter between the two countries," Baqaei said. He acknowledged that the arrangement would have implications for international shipping involving other countries, but stressed that the negotiations themselves were between the two coastal states and had the specific objective of reaching an agreement on a safe route for ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Baqaei said reopening the strait would depend on the removal of conditions imposed on Iran and the region as a result of the US-Israeli military aggression. "Keep in mind that we are still in a state of war," he said, arguing that continued US maritime blockade prevented the Strait of Hormuz from being considered a secure waterway. He referred to UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, which defines aggression, saying that "a maritime blockade of this kind constitutes an act of aggression" under the resolution. "As long as the US maritime blockade continues, and as long as other US violations continue, the conditions necessary for us to say that the Strait of Hormuz has become a secure waterway will not exist," the spokesman said. He said Washington must stop and make amends for its "illegal and destructive actions" before further steps could be discussed. No final decision on Pezeshkian's trip to New York: Baqaei Baqaei also addressed whether President Masoud Pezeshkian would travel to New York to attend the upcoming UN General Assembly session. He said no final decision had yet been made and that the issue would be discussed closer to the annual gathering. "Every year, as you know, the delegation of the Islamic Republic of Iran usually participates in the General Assembly session at the level of the president," he said, describing the event as the UN's most important annual gathering. Iran, he added, intended to use this year's session to present its positions, although the final decision would depend on circumstances and developments. Further information would be provided in the coming weeks. When you wrestle with pigs, you cannot expect not to get dirty Asked about his language in a recent response to US President Donald Trump, Baqaei said Iran makes use of its rich literary, cultural and civilizational heritage when confronting its adversaries. He cited George Bernard Shaw, saying, when you wrestle with pigs, you cannot expect not to get dirty. Sometimes, getting muddy is part of the wrestling that has been imposed on you, Baqaei added. 4354**7129
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