WEB DESK: Iran said on Sunday that it had made progress in negotiations with Oman over the management of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway through which a significant share of the world’s oil and gas supplies passes.
The latest round of discussions comes after the United States resumed military strikes against Iran in an effort to end Tehran’s control over the vital shipping route, following the collapse of a June memorandum of understanding that had briefly reduced tensions.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said several rounds of talks were held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday between Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers.
According to Baqaei, the discussions focused on establishing “common principles and operational mechanisms” to ensure the safe passage of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz while respecting the sovereign rights of both Iran and Oman.
He described the negotiations as “useful” and said meaningful progress had been achieved, adding that technical and political consultations between the two countries would continue.
In June, Iran and Oman announced plans to discuss the introduction of service fees for vessels using the strategic waterway, a proposal strongly opposed by Washington.
At the same time, Oman stated that commercial vessels could transit the Strait of Hormuz through Omani territorial waters, a position that drew criticism from Tehran and contributed to renewed tensions.
Iran also said on Saturday that it had not recorded any new US attacks after nearly two weeks of military strikes.
According to Axios, the Pentagon had presented US President Donald Trump with plans for a 14th consecutive night of strikes against Iran, but he declined to approve the operation in favour of giving diplomacy another opportunity.
The report said Trump decided to pause military action after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran for talks on a new arrangement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Responding to a separate question, Baqaei said there had been “no change” in the status of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, indicating that maritime traffic continued as before despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
