Tehran and Muscat discuss shipping safety and sovereignty as tensions continue over key energy route
TEHRAN: Iran said on Sunday that it had made progress in talks with Oman on arrangements for managing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil and gas shipments.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said several rounds of discussions were held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday between Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers.
What Were the Talks About?
Baqaei said the discussions focused on establishing “common principles and operational mechanisms” to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the strait while respecting the sovereignty of both Iran and Oman.
He described the talks as “useful” and said technical and political consultations between the two sides were continuing.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, through which a significant share of global oil and gas supplies passes.
Why Is the Strait of Hormuz a Concern?
The talks come amid heightened tensions following renewed US attacks on Iran after a June memorandum of understanding aimed at easing the conflict.
Iran and Oman had previously discussed the possibility of imposing service fees for transit through the waterway, a proposal opposed by Washington.
Oman has also said that vessels could transit through its waters in the strait, a position that Tehran objected to and which contributed to further tensions.
Iran said on Saturday that it had not recorded any US attacks after nearly two weeks of strikes.
Reports said US President Donald Trump declined to approve another round of strikes and instead supported renewed talks after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran for discussions on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Baqaei said there had been no change in the current status of shipping traffic through the strait.