Iran Discusses Single Hormuz Transit Corridor With Oman, Rules Out US Talks

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei briefs reporters

Iran and Oman discuss a single transit corridor combining northern and southern lanes

Tehran says there are no talks with Washington after Trump mentions resuming negotiations

Iran is discussing with Oman the creation of a single transit corridor allowing two-way traffic through the Strait of Hormuz to help ensure safe passage for shipping.

Tehran also dismissed the prospect of renewed diplomacy with Washington after US President Donald Trump mentioned restarting negotiations, saying there are currently no talks with the US.

IRNA and other media reported on August 3 that Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil 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.

On possible negotiations with the US, Baghaei struck a cautious tone.

"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 Tehran watches how the situation develops.

He also said any broader change related to opening the Strait of Hormuz would require the US to halt its military threats first.

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

Asked whether talks with Oman include a plan to collect transit fees from ships, Baghaei did not answer directly.

He said Iran would review the matter comprehensively, taking into account the sovereignty, national interests and security of both countries.

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