MUSCAT : Oman and Iran have agreed on a proposed framework to establish a temporary safe shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and launch a joint project to clear the waterway of mines, Oman’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

Omani Foreign Minister His Excellency Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi held talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi during a working visit to Iran, with discussions focusing on what the two countries described as an urgent need to restore safe navigation through the strategic waterway.

The ministers discussed a framework that could provide a practical mechanism for implementation in light of the current situation in the strait and the repercussions of the recent war, the ministry said in a joint statement.

Under the proposed framework, Oman and Iran would establish a temporary safe corridor for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz and undertake a joint operation to clear mines from the waterway.

Technical negotiations between the two sides will continue with the aim of reaching an agreement on a permanent safe corridor and future arrangements for its management, the statement said.

The talks will also seek to establish a mechanism for exchanging information, managing maritime traffic and providing relevant navigational and security services.

Oman and Iran also stressed the importance of maintaining joint consultations with countries bordering the Gulf and reaffirmed the need to adhere to international law and respect the sovereign rights of coastal states.