Iran, Oman Launch First Hormuz Talks After US Peace Framework

Tehran— Iran and Oman have held the first meeting of a joint committee to discuss the future management of the Strait of Hormuz following Tehran’s preliminary agreement with Washington to end the recent Middle East conflict, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the meeting took place during a visit to Muscat, where officials reviewed current issues concerning the strategic waterway and exchanged views on its future administration.

“During a trip to Muscat, the first meeting of the Joint Hormuz Committee was held,” Gharibabadi said in a post on X, adding that both sides discussed the future management of the strait. He did not specify when the meeting took place.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime passage approximately 30 kilometers (18 miles) wide between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.

The future governance of the waterway has emerged as a key issue in negotiations between Iran and the United States following the recent conflict, during which Tehran temporarily blockaded the strait.

Iran is considering introducing maritime service fees that did not exist before the conflict, while the United States has opposed any charges, arguing that the strait constitutes an international waterway.

Last week, Iran and Oman issued a joint statement saying they were examining future management arrangements and associated operational costs for the strait. Days later, Oman clarified that no passage fees were planned and announced a temporary maritime corridor near its coastline coordinated with the United Nations.

Iran subsequently maintained that the only authorized navigation route remained a corridor adjacent to its own coastline.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Sunday that attempts to establish alternative shipping routes could increase regional tensions.

The latest discussions stem from a memorandum of understanding reached between Tehran and Washington, which calls for Iran to engage with Oman and other Gulf littoral states to determine the future administration and maritime services of the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law and the sovereign rights of the coastal states.

The memorandum also provides for toll-free passage through the strait for 60 days following the signing of the agreement. Arrangements beyond that period have yet to be determined.