WorldIran says deal with Oman on Strait of Hormuz shipping route is in final stages

Iran says it has agreed with Oman on a shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei gave no details, saying only that the arrangement was nearing completion. He cautioned that an agreement with Oman would not itself ensure safe passage through the strait. Baqaei said security remained affected by the US blockade of Iranian ports. Tehran has largely blocked the waterway since attacks by the US and Israel in February.