Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi stated on the 5th that the agreement between Iran and Oman regarding commercial ship passage through the Strait of Hormuz is close to being finalized. At that time, both the northern channel under Iranian control and the southern channel near the Omani side will be closed.
In an interview with local media, he said that a new passage model, different from the one used for the past 60 years, will be established in the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, the southern channel passing through Omani territorial waters and the northern channel within Iranian territorial waters will both be closed.
He stated that under the newly established channel, part of the journey of commercial vessels entering and leaving the Strait of Hormuz will pass through Iranian territorial waters. However, the new lane is also a temporary one and is expected to be in use for 2 to 4 months.
Gharibabadi denied reports that Iran and the U.S. are currently in negotiations, but stated