Iran says first meeting held with Oman on Strait of Hormuz management

Iran announced it has held its first meeting with Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial energy export route. This development follows a preliminary agreement between Tehran and Washington to end a regional war.

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, stated on social media that the first session of the "Joint Hormuz Committee" took place during a trip to Muscat. He indicated that discussions covered "current issues related to the strait" and an exchange of views on "future management."

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway separating Iran and Oman, is a significant point of contention in the ongoing negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Iran is considering imposing "service fees," which were not in place before the conflict, a move opposed by the United States, which maintains the strait is an international waterway.

Oman has adopted a nuanced stance. Following a visit by Iranian officials last Tuesday, Oman and Iran issued a joint statement indicating they were examining future management costs for the strait. However, later that week, Oman suggested no "transit fees" were planned and announced the opening of a "temporary maritime corridor" near its coast, reportedly agreed upon with the United Nations. Iran responded by asserting that passage is only permitted through a corridor along its own coastline.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any attempt to use alternative routes could escalate regional tensions. This comes amid heightened conflict, with Iran striking a commercial vessel in the strait and the US responding with strikes on targets along Iran's coast. The memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington states that passage through the strait will be free only for "60 days" after the agreement's signing, leaving the situation beyond that period uncertain.

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Kelionės į Maskatą metu įvyko pirmasis Jungtinio Hormuzo komiteto posėdis. Aptardami su sąsiauriu susijusius einamuosius klausimus, apsikeitėme nuomonėmis apie valdymą ateityje