Iran has criticised Oman following Muscat’s announcement of a southern navigation corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, accusing it of failing to coordinate with Tehran on arrangements for maritime transit.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said at a press conference that Tehran had sought to establish, in coordination with Oman, a mechanism to ensure the safe passage of ships through the strategic waterway.
“Our efforts were based on reaching, in coordination with Oman, a mechanism to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz,” Baghaei said, adding that Iran regretted that such an arrangement had not been achieved and alleging that US pressure had influenced Oman’s position.
Baghaei said Iran had expected “the necessary cooperation” from Oman to safeguard the security and sovereignty of the two countries bordering the strait.
According to Iranian officials, Tehran considers itself responsible for managing maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz under its interpretation of the memorandum of understanding with the United States and maintains that it has the authority to designate approved shipping routes.
