Iran, Gulf States to Hold Strait of Hormuz Talks in Oman on Monday
TEHRAN, IRAN — WEB DESK: Iran will hold talks with Gulf states in Oman on Monday, September 14, over the future management and security of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, as regional governments intensify diplomatic efforts to reduce disruption along one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the planned meeting on Friday, saying it was intended to improve understanding among regional countries and strengthen shared security. Iraq and Gulf states are expected to participate.
The gathering is expected to take place in the Omani coastal city of Salalah, where Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers are due to meet their Iranian counterpart. The GCC comprises Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.
A central issue will be the outcome of discussions between Iran and Oman on establishing safer routes for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Tehran hoped the meeting would contribute to greater regional understanding and shared security.
Iran and Oman have spent weeks discussing a temporary arrangement governing commercial navigation through the strategic waterway. Under proposals reported by the Financial Times, vessels could enter the strait through Iranian waters and largely exit through Omani territory.
However, diplomats caution that an agreement among regional states alone may not be sufficient to fully restore normal shipping. Wider tensions between Iran and the United States remain a major obstacle to a comprehensive reopening of the waterway.
Iran says it remains committed to securing navigation through Hormuz but has linked broader maritime security to its confrontation with Washington.
The diplomatic push comes as shipping through the strait remains severely disrupted. Reuters reported earlier this week that only seven commodity vessels crossed Hormuz on Monday, compared with eight the previous day, according to Kpler data. Some vessels may also be operating without active transponders, meaning actual traffic could be higher.
The economic stakes are significant. Before the current conflict, nearly 20% of global crude oil and refined petroleum products, along with a similar proportion of liquefied natural gas, passed through the narrow waterway linking the Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
Oil markets reacted positively to signs of diplomacy. Brent crude, which had approached $110 a barrel on Thursday, fell on Friday after reports of the planned talks emerged.
The Monday meeting will therefore be closely watched by Gulf governments, global energy markets and major Asian oil importers for signs that a temporary shipping arrangement could reduce risks to commercial vessels and eventually help stabilise energy flows.
