Iran Confirms Oman Meeting on Strait of Hormuz Called Off at Saudi Request

Iran said a meeting of foreign ministers of regional countries scheduled in Oman on Monday to discuss arrangements for safe commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz was canceled at Saudi Arabia’s request. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said during his weekly presser that the planned meeting in Oman was an “opportunity” created by Tehran and Muscat and that regional countries were expected to recognize and make use of it, IRNA reported. Iran and Oman announced the postponement on Sunday night.

Director General of the Persian Gulf Department at Iran’s Foreign Ministry Mohammad Alibek said that, “At the request of certain regional countries and based on a joint decision by Oman and Iran, the meeting of foreign ministers from Persian Gulf littoral states, originally scheduled for Monday, has been postponed to a later date,” Alibek stated. Alibek underlined that Tehran will work closely with Muscat to set a mutually convenient time for the gathering. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi also announced the postponement, noting that the decision was taken “in the interests of consensus.”

Baqaei added that Iran and Oman have finalized an agreement concerning maritime routes. “The understanding between Iran and Oman, as two littoral states, has been finalized. In consultation with Oman, we will decide on the next step, including how to announce or register the understanding,” he said. He noted that the Iran-Oman understanding regarding the security of maritime routes was the result of weeks of negotiations between the two countries. The Strait of Hormuz is a major global energy chokepoint, with roughly one-fifth of global oil demand passing through the waterway. Iran has maintained heightened restrictions on navigation 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 nearly three 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. - Iran Daily