Iran says new transit routes to be opened in Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN, Iran — Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said new transit routes will be opened for maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, announcing that negotiations with Oman have reached their final stage. Speaking at an event at the Foreign Ministry's Center for Political and International Studies in Tehran, Araghchi described the talks as focused on adopting new passageways within the strait rather than a full reopening. Araghchi said there are no direct talks between Iran and the United States, adding that Tehran and Washington have only been exchanging messages through intermediaries. He said Iran's position on the strait will continue and that the strategic waterway will be managed under new arrangements. The foreign minister also said Iran will not abandon its resistance policy and will safeguard its national independence and identity. No further details on the timeline of the new routes were immediately available.