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, 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 aim to "establish a central passage through the Strait of Hormuz to ensure navigational security while preserving Iran's rights as a littoral state." The official stated that once operational, this new passage would replace the existing northern and southern shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz is only 34 kilometers wide and was once an international waterway before Iran closed it in response to attacks by the United States and Israel. Before the war, vessels followed a UN-adopted two-way traffic separation scheme, with shipping lanes passing through Iranian and Omani waters respectively. (Jin Shi)