Daijiworld Media Network - Muscat
Muscat, Jul 12: Oman and Iran have agreed to continue technical and political discussions on ensuring safe navigation through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz amid rising regional tensions.
According to the Oman News Agency, officials from both countries met in Muscat to discuss maritime security and freedom of navigation following recent developments affecting the vital shipping route.
The two sides decided to continue consultations at both the technical and diplomatic levels to arrive at mutually acceptable arrangements in line with international law.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei had earlier announced that Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi would travel to Oman on Saturday for consultations focused on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz.
The discussions come against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and the United States after recent military exchanges, reportedly triggered by alleged Iranian attacks on commercial vessels passing through the strategic waterway.
Following US-Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year, Tehran tightened restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, preventing the passage of vessels linked to the United States and Israel through one of the world's busiest oil transit routes, which carries nearly one-fifth of global seaborne crude oil shipments.
Iran and Oman had previously agreed in June to establish a joint working group involving their foreign ministries to continue negotiations on the future management of navigation and related maritime services in the strait.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Washington had agreed to continue diplomatic engagement with Iran despite declaring that the ceasefire between the two countries had effectively ended following the recent escalation in hostilities.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran had requested the continuation of talks and that the United States had accepted the proposal while making it clear that the ceasefire was no longer in effect.
His remarks indicate that diplomatic channels between Washington and Tehran remain open even as tensions over security in the Strait of Hormuz continue.