Iran, Oman Finalize Understanding on Safe Navigation Through Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says a planned meeting of regional foreign ministers in Oman on arrangements for safe commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz was canceled at Saudi Arabia’s request. Speaking at his weekly press conference on Monday, Baghaei said Iran and Oman had finalized an understanding on maritime routes following weeks of negotiations. He added that Tehran and Muscat would determine the next steps, including how the agreement would be formally announced or registered.

Baghaei described the planned meeting as an opportunity created by Iran and Oman for regional countries to address maritime security and urged states in the region to make use of such opportunities. He stressed that Iran does not make decisions on highly sensitive security matters based on a single factor and said Tehran would continue pursuing rational and forward-looking policies despite what he called the ill-advised actions or broken commitments of others. The Iranian spokesman also reiterated that Tehran has consistently sought practical solutions to regional problems.

Baghaei warned that continued conflict among Muslim countries would ultimately benefit only Israel, which he accused of seeking to prolong tensions and insecurity across the region. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy chokepoint, carrying roughly one-fifth of global oil demand. Iran and Oman have been negotiating for nearly three months on mechanisms to ensure safe navigation through the strategic waterway. On August 25, the two sides announced discussions on a phased framework that would initially establish a temporary joint maritime corridor alongside a joint mine-clearance operation, with technical negotiations expected to continue toward a permanent navigation arrangement while preserving the sovereignty and sovereign rights of coastal states.