Speaking to Tasnim, the source stated that following intensive technical and diplomatic talks, which culminated in a final agreement in late August, the understanding between Tehran and Muscat is set to be announced soon in the presence of foreign ministers from the Persian Gulf littoral states.
The source, who is close to the Iranian negotiating team, noted that this understanding is only between Iran and Oman and other nations will attend the upcoming meeting solely to be briefed on the route details and transit arrangements, thereby implicitly signaling to the international community that they do not object to the plan.
According to the source, the understanding establishes specific details for new entry and exit routes through the strait shared by Iran and Oman.
Under this arrangement, the inbound route to the Persian Gulf lies entirely within Iranian territorial waters, as does a portion of the outbound route.
The source added that transit along this route will be governed by Iranian protocols and once implemented, the southern route, which the US had insisted upon opening and which had been a primary source of recent tensions, will be closed.
The informed source further stated that Iraq will also attend the meeting, alongside Iran, Oman, and the other Persian Gulf littoral states. However, these countries will merely be apprised of the outcome of the Iran-Oman negotiations, as decisions regarding the specifics of the understanding were finalized during technical meetings held exclusively between Iran and Oman.
Emphasizing that this understanding in no way signifies the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, the source noted that Iran has communicated seven conditions to the American side via intermediaries for the opening of the Strait and the strait will remain closed until these seven conditions, endorsed by the highest authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, are implemented.
Therefore, the source said, the understanding between Iran and Oman does not mean the Strait of Hormuz is being opened; rather, it implies that if the strait is to be opened, it will be done based on this understanding, which is considered a step toward asserting Iran’s sovereignty over it.
The opening of the strait depends entirely on the American side’s conduct regarding the implementation of Iran’s conditions, the source went on to say.