Dubai: Iran has claimed that it is preparing a proposal with Oman to “monitor” the Strait of Hormuz. Government news agency ‘IRNA’, quoting Iranian diplomat Kazim Gharibabadi, said in its news on Thursday that the purpose of this proposal is to “make this route safe and convenient for the movement of ships and to provide better services”.
Iran’s attacks on ships in the region and alleged demands of up to US$2 million for passage through the Strait of Hormuz have virtually blocked this route. It is not clear at the moment what the draft of the proposal is and what its effects will be. Oman also did not give any immediate reaction on this. The strait is in the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, but is considered an international sea route and unhindered and free movement of ships is expected.
“When we face aggressive actions, there is a serious impact on shipping and this is a consequence of that aggression,” Gharibabadi said. We are currently at war and in such a situation it cannot be expected that the rules of peacetime will apply even in wartime situations.
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