TEHRAN: Iran announced on Sunday that it had made progress in negotiations with Oman over the management of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway that carries a significant share of the world’s oil and gas shipments.
The discussions focused on improving shipping safety while respecting the sovereignty of both countries, according to Iran’s Foreign Ministry.
Talks Focus on Shipping Safety and Sovereignty
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said several rounds of talks were held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday between Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers.
According to Baqaei, the negotiations centred on establishing “common principles and operational mechanisms” to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz while safeguarding the sovereign rights of both Iran and Oman.
He described the discussions as “useful” and confirmed that progress had been made.
“Technical and political consultations between the two sides are continuing,” Baqaei said.
Strategic Importance of the Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints, linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
A substantial portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes through the narrow waterway, making its security vital for international energy markets and global trade.
Talks Follow Months of Regional Tensions
The latest negotiations come after months of heightened tensions in the Gulf region.
The United States previously resumed military strikes against Iran following disputes over Tehran’s control of the strategic waterway, despite a memorandum of understanding signed in June that had temporarily eased hostilities.
Diplomatic efforts have since focused on preventing further escalation and ensuring uninterrupted maritime traffic.
Earlier Discussions on Transit Fees
In June, Iran and Oman also discussed the possibility of introducing service fees for ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The proposal was opposed by Washington.
At the same time, Muscat indicated that international vessels could use Omani territorial waters to transit the strait, a position that reportedly drew criticism from Tehran and contributed to renewed regional tensions.
Reports of Pause in US Military Strikes
Iran said on Saturday that it had not recorded any new US attacks following nearly two weeks of military strikes.
Meanwhile, US media outlet Axios reported that the Pentagon had presented President Donald Trump with plans for another round of strikes, but he opted against authorising the operation in favour of renewed diplomatic engagement.
According to the report, the decision came after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran to discuss a possible framework for reopening and managing the Strait of Hormuz.
Shipping Status Remains Unchanged
Responding to questions about maritime traffic, Baqaei said there had been “no change” in the status of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
He added that technical and political consultations between Iran and Oman would continue as both sides work toward maintaining safe navigation and regional stability.
