Iran, Oman Discuss Temporary Two-Way 'Middle Route' in Hormuz, Reject US Talks

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei briefs reporters

Iran and Oman are discussing a single 'middle route' combining northern and southern lanes

After Donald Trump mentions resuming negotiations, Tehran says there are no talks with Washington and it will watch how the situation develops

Iran said it is discussing a single temporary “middle route” with Oman to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran also rejected any suggestion of renewed negotiations with Washington after US President Donald Trump mentioned restarting talks, saying there is currently no dialogue with the United States.

IRNA and other outlets reported on August 3 that Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei told a briefing the aim is to quickly finalize a temporary route, in cooperation with Oman, to facilitate shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Baghaei said the proposal under discussion would combine the southern lane in Omani territorial waters with the northern lane in Iranian waters.

The corridor would allow two-way traffic until a permanent decision is made. It would temporarily replace the existing traffic separation scheme, or TSS.

Baghaei was also cautious on the possibility of talks with the US.

“We are not currently in talks with the United States, and there are no plans for delegation visits or contact,” he said. Issues involving the US would be addressed at a later stage after Iran watches how the situation develops, he added.

He also made clear that any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would require an end to US military threats first.

As long as US military aggression against Iran continues, there will be no fundamental change in the situation around the strait, Baghaei said.

Asked whether talks with Oman include a plan to collect transit fees from ships, he declined to give a specific answer.

He said only that the matter would be reviewed with full consideration for the two countries’ sovereignty, national interests and security.

Park Sang-kyung, Hankyung.com reporter highseoul@hankyung.com