Iran reports progress in talks with Oman on Strait of Hormuz transit

Iran announced progress in its discussions with Oman concerning the secure transit of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage. The talks, held in Tehran, involved Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers who engaged in multiple rounds of discussions on "common principles and operational mechanisms for managing the safe transit of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, respecting the sovereign rights of the two riparian states."

Esmail Baghaei, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman, described the conversations as "useful" and noted that advancements were made. The Omani delegation departed Tehran on Saturday afternoon, but technical and political consultations between the two countries are ongoing. Baghaei assured that there has been no change in the maritime traffic situation in the strait.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is vital for global oil trade, with approximately one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil passing through it before the escalation of conflict between the United States and Iran. These negotiations come as both nations aim to establish regulations for navigation following restrictions previously imposed by Iran's Revolutionary Guard.

Earlier in June, Oman, with U.S. backing, introduced a temporary toll-free maritime corridor to facilitate passage through the strait. Iran responded by targeting vessels using this route, leading to increased U.S. airstrikes on Iranian territory. In response to the escalation, Tehran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on July 5, and the United States reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports and vessels in the area.