Iran and Oman Advance Talks on Hormuz Amid US Pause on Strikes

Iran announced progress Sunday in talks with Oman over managing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments. The discussions come as the United States pauses airstrikes to allow room for diplomacy, though it maintains a naval blockade against Iran. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said deputy foreign ministers from both countries held several rounds of talks Friday and Saturday in Tehran. The goal was to agree on “common principles and operational mechanisms” for safe navigation through the strait, while respecting the rights of both coastal states. “The talks were useful and progress was made,” Baghaei said. He added that the Omani delegation left Tehran on Saturday, but technical and political consultations continue. Baghaei noted no change in the current state of maritime traffic through the strait. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Before the recent conflict, about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil passed through it. Iran and Oman share control of its waters. On Saturday, the United States confirmed it is maintaining its naval blockade of Iran. This comes after President Donald Trump ordered a temporary halt to bombings, breaking nearly two consecutive weeks of attacks. The pause is meant to support diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict. In a further sign of easing tensions, Qatar announced Saturday it would resume all civilian maritime navigation starting Sunday. That traffic had been suspended for more than ten days due to the conflict escalation. The talks between Iran and Oman come as both countries seek ways to regulate shipping after Iran’s Revolutionary Guard imposed restrictions on maritime traffic in the area. In late June, Oman—with US backing—launched a temporary toll-free sea corridor to ease transit through the strait. Iran responded by attacking vessels using that route. That led Washington to intensify its airstrikes on Iranian territory. Amid the escalation, Tehran again declared the Strait of Hormuz closed on July 5. The US then reinstated its naval blockade on Iranian ports and ships in the area. The blockade had been suspended after a memorandum of understanding between the two sides in mid-June.