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

Iran announced on Sunday that progress has been made in its discussions with Oman concerning the safe management of the Strait of Hormuz. These talks come at a time of increased tension with the United States, following the breakdown of a truce, and as Iran's parliament considers new legislation to bolster control over the vital maritime passage.

Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that deputy foreign ministers from Iran and Oman held several rounds of talks in Tehran on Friday and Saturday. The discussions focused 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." Baghaei described the conversations as "useful" and confirmed that advances were achieved, although technical and political consultations continue.

The spokesperson also affirmed that there have been no changes to the maritime traffic situation in the strait. Iran and Oman share control over the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Prior to the escalation of conflict between the United States and Iran on February 28, approximately one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil trade transited through this passage.

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The conversations were useful and progress was achieved.

The ongoing negotiations are part of efforts by both countries to establish regulations for navigation, particularly after Iran's Revolutionary Guard imposed restrictions on maritime traffic in the area. In late 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, which led to intensified U.S. airstrikes on Iranian territory.

Amidst this escalation, Tehran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on July 5. In response, the United States reinstated a naval blockade on Iranian ports and vessels in the region, a measure that had been temporarily suspended following a memorandum of understanding between the two parties in mid-June.

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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.