Iran, Oman discuss Strait of Hormuz; 11 killed in Lebanon — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): Iran and Oman are continuing discussions on shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, while at least 11 people have been killed and 19 others wounded in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, a media report said on Sunday. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was continuing talks with Oman on establishing routes for ships to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported. Araghchi said reopening the waterway was linked to the United States implementing an agreement reached between the two sides in June. He said Iran had not yet decided whether to resume negotiations with the United States, adding that Qatar and Pakistan were in contact with Tehran to convey messages. However, he said the contacts did not mean Iran had decided to return to talks with Washington. According to the report, Iran is separately working with Oman on technical arrangements to establish new shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran, however, has made the resumption of shipping through the waterway conditional on reaching a political solution. Tensions over the strategic waterway have continued after US President Donald Trump recently claimed that the United States controlled the Strait of Hormuz and said he wanted to declare it “US territory”. Iran rejected the claim. Meanwhile, at least 11 people were killed and 19 others wounded…