The foreign ministers of Iran and Oman held talks in Tehran to advance a framework for managing transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway bordered by both nations. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi met with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi to discuss mechanisms for reopening the strategically important channel, which has experienced severe disruptions following regional conflict.
According to a joint statement, the two countries proposed a phased approach that would include a temporary joint navigation corridor and a coordinated mine-clearing initiative. The ministers indicated that technical discussions would continue with the goal of establishing a permanent navigation corridor and long-term management structures for the strait. They also committed to creating mechanisms for information sharing, traffic management, and provision of navigational and security services.
Both nations emphasized the importance of any agreement respecting their respective sovereignty and international law. The diplomats indicated they would engage in joint discussions with other Gulf coastal states to ensure broader regional consensus on the arrangement. Albusaidi stated he anticipated the temporary corridor would be announced in the near future, with permanent solutions to be determined subsequently.
The strait has remained largely closed to commercial traffic since the escalation of regional tensions, with Iran imposing a blockade and the United States implementing a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports. The waterway typically facilitates approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports. Iranian officials have indicated the strait will not fully reopen until certain conditions are met, including lifting of the US naval blockade, removal of oil sanctions, and unfreezing of Iranian assets abroad. The negotiations represent an effort to address the shipping paralysis that has disrupted global energy markets.
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