Iranian Media: Iran and Oman in Talks to Establish a Central Passage in the Strait of Hormuz

Odaily News, according to Al Jazeera citing Iran's Press TV, the talks between Iran and Oman have entered a "new phase," with both sides "expected to reach a consensus." The TV channel quoted a senior Iranian official as saying the talks are "aimed at establishing a central passage through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure navigational safety while safeguarding Iran's rights as a coastal state." The official stated that once operational, this new passage would replace the existing northern and southern routes. The Strait of Hormuz is only 34 kilometers wide and was once an international waterway before Iran closed it due to attacks by the United States and Israel. Before the war, vessels followed a UN-approved two-way traffic separation scheme, with shipping lanes passing through Iranian and Omani waters respectively. (Jin Shi)