Iran and Oman agree on route for new shipping lanes in Strait of Hormuz
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Iran has reached an agreement with Oman on the geographic route for new shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said.
According to Baqaei, a joint statement by Iran and Oman is in the final drafting stage and will be issued if there is no interference from third parties. He said discussions between the two countries on maritime navigation have been professional and are progressing.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime trade routes, with a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through the narrow waterway.
Baqaei also said Iran currently has no plans for official visits to Pakistan or Qatar.
The announcement comes as the United States continues diplomatic efforts to restore safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday warned Iran that it would be "hit very hard" if the strait was not reopened "very soon". Speaking to Fox News, Trump said Iran had been given a final opportunity to reach a deal and reiterated that Tehran could not be allowed to possess a nuclear weapon.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday that progress had been made in talks with Iran and that an outcome was expected "very shortly". He added that the United States was involved in discussions between Oman and Iran on measures to enable more commercial ships to pass safely through the strait in the short term.