Iran, Oman discuss Hormuz management; Oman reaffirms free passage principle

Iran and Oman held discussions on managing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway, with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi stating that the principle of safe, toll-free passage would be reaffirmed. The meeting in Muscat involved high-level Iranian officials and focused on a recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU).

Al-Busaidi announced on X, formerly Twitter, that the discussions with Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi covered the MOU's provisions concerning the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized the commitment to international law and ensuring safe passage without tolls. The officials also stressed the importance of using current diplomatic opportunities to support peace efforts and promote de-escalation and stability.

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We reaffirmed the commitment to international law and ensuring safe passage without tolls.

These statements emerged after a joint statement from Qatar and Pakistan, mediators in the Iran-US talks held in Switzerland. The US and Iran agreed to establish a "de-escalation mechanism" with the help of mediators to ensure compliance with the MOU, which includes ending military operations in Lebanon. The MOU, signed remotely last week, initiates a 60-day negotiation period to resolve disputes, including Iran's enriched uranium stockpiles and nuclear program.

The 14-point document mandates an immediate and permanent cessation of military operations across all fronts, including Lebanon, the lifting of the US maritime blockade on Iran, and guarantees for the safe passage of merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not yet officially commented on the talks with Oman. Ghalibaf and Araghchi are also scheduled to meet with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq Al-Said, to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation.

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We emphasized the importance of utilizing current diplomatic opportunities to support peace efforts and promote de-escalation and stability.