Tehran: Iran is in the final stages of preparing a joint maritime protocol with Oman to coordinate vessel movement through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has confirmed.
In an interview with Sputnik, Gharibabadi said Tehran is drafting a framework aimed at improving oversight of ship transit in cooperation with Muscat. The proposed mechanism, he stressed, is designed to enhance safety, streamline navigation, and strengthen environmental protections—rather than impose restrictions on international shipping.
“Following the completion of internal drafting, we will initiate formal discussions with Oman to finalize a joint protocol,” he stated, adding that coordinated supervision by both coastal states could ensure more efficient maritime operations even under normal conditions.
Under the proposed system, vessels would receive timely clearances to pass through the narrow waterway, which handles a significant share of global energy shipments. Iranian officials maintain that the initiative would facilitate smoother transit and improve logistical services for passing ships.
However, Gharibabadi linked current disruptions in maritime activity to ongoing regional tensions, blaming what he described as “aggressive actions” by the United States and Israel. He warned that in the event of further escalation, vessels associated with hostile actors and their allies could face restrictions.
Addressing broader security concerns, the deputy foreign minister also cautioned that any attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities would trigger a proportional response, potentially targeting similar infrastructure of adversaries if aggression persists or is launched from third-party territories.
Despite rising tensions, he reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), while acknowledging growing domestic debate over its effectiveness in safeguarding the country’s nuclear program.
Gharibabadi concluded by reiterating that Iran’s nuclear policy remains peaceful and independent of maritime regulations in the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring that the proposed coordination with Oman is focused solely on navigation safety and regional stability.
