A senior Iranian official told Press TV that bilateral talks with Oman on future
arrangements for operations in the Strait of Hormuz have entered a new phase.
The official said discussions began in the days after an April 8 ceasefire
between Iran and the United States and became more serious after a June 18
agreement. He said the talks demonstrate Iran’s willingness to pursue a
diplomatic solution while defending its sovereign rights, but that the bilateral
process between the two littoral states has been repeatedly disrupted by the
United States and some US-aligned regional governments. "Their obstruction not
only delayed a mutually beneficial outcome but exposed the hollowness of US
influence in the region, and Iran's strategic interests here are critical and
non-negotiable," the official said. He added talks moved into a new critical
phase more than two weeks ago, that significant progress has been made and a
bilateral deal is "within reach," and that if external interference stops Iran
and Oman can finalise an arrangement that protects both parties' interests and
upholds sovereignty and international law.
