Iran and Oman discuss Hormuz route

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said a regional meeting in Muscat, Oman, will focus on a new maritime traffic route in the Strait of Hormuz. He said Iran and Oman will brief Persian Gulf countries on the results of their consultations and present a roadmap for the proposed route. Araghchi stressed that the understanding with Oman does not mean the Strait of Hormuz will reopen.

Araghchi said reopening the strait depends on the United States returning to its commitments under the Islamabad memorandum of understanding. He added that Tehran believes regional security and stability should be handled by the countries of the region themselves, without outside interference. He also said the meeting could help create a path for future consultations on issues of common concern.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei described the initiative as an important step toward trust, cooperation, and stronger regional security. He said Persian Gulf littoral states’ foreign ministers are expected to meet in Oman to exchange views on regional issues, including the Iran-Oman talks on safe routes in the strait. Iran and Oman have been negotiating for nearly three months over a phased framework that includes a temporary joint shipping corridor and a joint mine-clearance project.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea, remains a critical global energy route. Iran restricted navigation after U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, while U.S. forces imposed a naval blockade on vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports. Iranian and Omani officials have continued consultations on maritime security and navigation in the strategic waterway.