Oman-Iran Talks Make Progress on Reopening Strait of Hormuz

Regional plan proposed to enhance navigation, logistics and maritime security

Negotiations between Oman and Iran on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and regulating maritime routes under their control have made significant progress, officials told CBS News on Sunday.

Sources also told CNN that Oman has proposed forming a regional alliance to provide services in the strategic waterway, drawing inspiration from the model used in the Strait of Malacca, which facilitates cooperation among neighbouring countries in navigation support and logistics services.

The Omani proposal reportedly includes establishing a voluntary payment mechanism for vessels using services provided in the Strait of Hormuz, as part of efforts to improve maritime organisation, enhance safety and ensure smoother shipping operations through one of the world’s most vital energy routes.

The discussions follow earlier reports by the Financial Times that Iran and Oman had been holding talks aimed at managing navigation through the strait by regulating the number of vessels passing through Iranian and Omani waters. 

According to sources, the two sides discussed mechanisms to distribute maritime traffic between the “southern corridor” running along Oman’s coastline and the route located within Iranian territorial waters, with the goal of improving the safety and efficiency of shipping movements.

The US news website Axios also reported, citing informed sources, that Iran and Oman had achieved progress in negotiations concerning navigation arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz.

The talks come after Iran announced on Sunday that progress had been made in discussions with Oman over the management of the strategic waterway, through which a significant share of global oil and gas shipments passes. 

The Strait of Hormuz is jointly overseen by Iran and Oman, with both countries controlling sections of its coastline.

The negotiations follow renewed US military strikes on Iran on July 7, amid efforts to curb Tehran’s control over the waterway. Tensions in the region had temporarily eased after a June memorandum of understanding between the two sides aimed at ending hostilities 

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said several rounds of technical talks were held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday between deputy foreign ministers from Iran and Oman.

He said the discussions focused on “common principles and implementation mechanisms” for ensuring safe maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz while respecting the sovereign rights of the two coastal states.

Baghaei described the talks as “constructive” and confirmed that progress had been achieved, adding that technical and political consultations between the two sides remain ongoing.