Iran, Oman Discuss Strait of Hormuz Management Post-War Deal

Iran and Oman have convened for their first joint meeting on managing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy exports, since Tehran and Washington reached a preliminary agreement to end the Middle East conflict. The meeting took place in Muscat, Oman's capital.

During the talks, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated on X that the Joint Hormuz Committee reviewed current issues and exchanged views on the strait's future management. Hormuz, a narrow waterway separating Iran and Oman, is approximately 30 kilometers wide and has been a significant point of contention during negotiations to end the war.

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During a trip to Muscat, the first meeting of the Joint Hormuz Committee was held. While reviewing the current issues related to the strait, we exchanged views on the future management.

Disagreements remain between Iran and the United States regarding the potential imposition of "services fees" for passage. While Iran is considering such charges, the U.S. opposes them, asserting Hormuz as an international waterway. Oman has presented an ambiguous stance, initially indicating in a joint statement with Iran the examination of future management costs, but later clarifying that no "passage fees" were planned and announcing a temporary maritime corridor coordinated with the UN.

Iran has warned that alternative routes risk escalating tensions, especially after recent hostilities involving a strike on a commercial ship and retaliatory U.S. strikes. The memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington stipulates that Iran will consult with Oman on the strait's future administration and services, in line with international law and coastal states' sovereign rights. However, the text specifies toll-free passage for only 60 days after the deal's signing, leaving the post-period's arrangements unclear.

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Iran will engage in a dialogue with the Sultanate of Oman to define the future administration and maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz, in consultation with other Persian Gulf littoral states, in accordance with applicable international law and the sovereign rights of the coastal states of the Strait of Hormuz.