A senior Iranian political source told the Tasnim news agency that the Strait of Hormuz is located solely within the territorial waters and land of Iran and Oman, and any decision regarding its management will be made by those two governments. The source added that Qatar's presence in talks is intended to contribute to its mediation role and facilitate exchange of views between Iran and other regional countries.
A senior Iranian political source told the Tasnim news agency Saturday evening that the Strait of Hormuz lies exclusively within the territorial waters and land of Iran and Oman, and any decision regarding its management will be made solely by those two governments. The source clarified that Qatar's presence in the talks is intended to contribute to its mediation role, not to imply decision-making authority. This statement follows a series of reports Saturday indicating that Qatari and reportedly Pakistani officials had joined Iran-Oman talks in Muscat, with discussions focused on a possible joint statement to reopen the 'middle passage' in international waters.
The Zioneer has been tracking the diplomatic efforts throughout the day. In initial reports published at 17:19 Jerusalem, a diplomat and a regional source told Israeli media that Qatari officials were participating in the talks. A subsequent update added that the parties were discussing a joint statement on fully opening the middle passage. Israeli journalist Barak Ravid then reported that officials were indeed discussing such a statement. Later updates confirmed that Pakistani officials had reportedly joined, and finally, the senior Iranian source provided the clarification on Qatar's limited role. The corroboration evolved from anonymous diplomatic sources to an on-record statement from a senior Iranian political source.
The Zioneer has previously reported on Iran's longstanding position regarding the Strait of Hormuz. On June 9, Iran's foreign minister stated that the strait is not international waters but a shared maritime route with Oman. On June 23, Iran and Oman issued a joint statement reiterating their sovereign rights over the waterway. Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf said on June 23 that Iran will manage the strait under its own regulations, and the foreign ministry on June 26 linked shipping to the end-of-war memorandum with Oman. These statements provide the context for the current diplomatic efforts in Muscat.
It remains unclear whether the talks will produce a joint statement on reopening the middle passage, and what role, if any, Pakistan will play. The Iranian source's statement did not address the timeline for reopening the strait or the status of the middle passage. The discussions are ongoing.
5 developments
- StrongIran: Strait of Hormuz management is solely Iran and Oman's responsibility, toll collection continues
- DevelopingIran and Oman reiterate sovereign rights over territorial waters in Strait of Hormuz
- DevelopingIran and Oman announce joint management company for Strait of Hormuz
- DevelopingIranian FM: Strait of Hormuz is not international waters, but a shared maritime route with Oman
Source and signal
- Internal intake