Iran's deputy foreign minister said on the evening of the 29th all vessels must
transit the Strait of Hormuz via the "Iran route" or face Iranian
countermeasures. He said Iran and Oman discussed future management at a first
joint working-group meeting earlier that day; Iran is willing to consult with
Oman on "new arrangements" but opposes any route outside the "Iran route" and
has told Oman that if it declines to participate Iran will decide the strait's
management unilaterally.