Iran and Oman announced that they will continue discussions on the management of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz through a joint working group between the foreign ministries of the two countries.
In a joint statement, the countries reaffirmed their commitment to guaranteeing the safety of navigation in the strait and informed that they will continue negotiating an agreement on the future administration of the maritime route, the related services and the costs involved, in accordance with international standards. The parties also agreed to consult other coastal States in the region and other interested parties.
The document states that “the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran, as the two littoral States adjacent to the Strait of Hormuz, have emphasized their commitment to ensuring safe passage through the Strait in accordance with the relevant provisions of international law, while reaffirming their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz.”
The declaration also highlights that all agreements related to the strait must respect the sovereignty of both countries and reaffirms the commitment to keeping the route open to international navigation.
According to the Oman News Agency, the country “reaffirms its support for the ‘Islamabad’ Memorandum of Understanding signed between the US and Iran, emphasizing the importance of continuing dialogue and coordination to support its successful implementation.”
The discussions took place during a meeting between the President of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abbas Araqchi, and the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq. The authorities dealt with developments in negotiations between Iran and the United States and issues linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
In parallel, the Iranian government stated that there are no plans for inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) at nuclear facilities hit by attacks by Israel and the United States. According to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, Iran did not hold meetings with the agency’s director general, Rafael Grossi, and “does not have any inspection program for nuclear facilities damaged as a result of US and Israeli aggression.”
Baqaei stated that there is no protocol or mechanism for this type of inspection and said that the country will follow the procedures provided for by the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. He also rejected statements from the United States about the start of nuclear negotiations and the possible sending of inspectors to Tehran.
Commenting on a recent resolution by the IAEA Board of Governors, the spokesperson thanked the countries that “acted responsibly” and did not support the initiative presented by the United States and European countries. He cited Russia, China and Niger and stated that the position adopted by these countries was “responsible”. Regarding those who voted in favor of the resolution, he declared that such “double standards are unacceptable”.
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
