Settlement of navigation in Hormuz hinges on progress in US-Iran talks: Oman
Oman’s Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Albusaidi said on Wednesday that discussions with Iran on temporary navigation arrangements in Strait of Hormuz have been almost concluded but a permanent settlement remained linked to progress in broader US-Iran negotiations.
The Omani foreign minister made the remarks in a joint press conference with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar in Islamabad after they discussed security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab Al-Mandab, two strategic waterways whose disruption has raised concerns about global energy and food security.
Iran’s restrictions on shipping through Hormuz, which handled roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade before the conflict, have disrupted energy supplies and driven up costs for import-dependent economies, including Pakistan.
Oman, which shares the strait with Iran, has been engaged in discussions with Tehran over navigation arrangements while supporting broader diplomatic efforts to resolve the US-Iran conflict.
“We are committed as far as the Sultanate of Oman is concerned to free navigation, unhindered navigation, and the return of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz because of its vitality to the global economy and to the region,” Albusaidi said.
He said Oman would support efforts toward that objective, adding that discussions with Iran on temporary navigation arrangements were almost concluded, while a permanent settlement remained linked to progress in broader US-Iran negotiations.
Both ministers emphasized diplomacy as the preferred means of addressing regional disputes and preventing further escalation.
“Both Oman and Pakistan attach great importance to dialogue and diplomacy as essential means of addressing regional challenges, easing tensions, and promoting peace and stability,” Albusaidi said.
“Oman truly appreciates Pakistan’s constructive role in facilitating dialogue and supporting diplomatic efforts in the region, including its role in the negotiations between Iran and the United States.”
Iran has maintained heightened restrictions on navigation in the Strait of Hormuz since the start of the US-Israeli military aggression against the country on Feb. 28, citing security concerns and the need to safeguard its sovereignty.
Iran and Oman have been engaged in negotiations for months over arrangements for safe navigation through the strategic waterway. On August 25, the two countries announced discussions on a phased framework that would initially establish a temporary joint maritime corridor, alongside a joint mine-clearance project.
The framework is aimed at restoring safe navigation while preserving the sovereignty and sovereign rights of coastal states.