Iran, Oman hold first talks on future of Hormuz

Iran and Oman held their first formal discussions on the future management of the Strait of Hormuz since Tehran and Washington reached a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the recent Middle East conflict.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi announced on Monday that the inaugural meeting of the Joint Hormuz Committee took place during a visit to Muscat.

The committee was established to address issues surrounding the strategic waterway, a crucial route for global energy exports from the Gulf.

“While reviewing the current issues related to the strait, we exchanged views on the future management,” Gharibabadi said in a post on X.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage approximately 30 kilometres wide at its narrowest point, lies between Iran and Oman. Both countries claim sovereignty over parts of the waterway, which became a major flashpoint during the recent conflict between Iran and the United States.

The future administration of the strait remains one of the most contentious issues in negotiations following the ceasefire.

Iran has indicated it may introduce service charges for vessels using the route, while Washington maintains that Hormuz is an international waterway and should remain free of such fees.

Oman’s position on the matter has appeared uncertain in recent days. Following discussions with Iranian officials last week, the two countries issued a joint statement saying they were examining costs associated with the future management of the strait.

However, Oman later clarified that no passage fees were currently planned and announced the establishment of a temporary maritime corridor near its coastline, stating that the arrangement had been coordinated with the United Nations.

Tehran subsequently rejected the move, insisting that the only authorised shipping route was a corridor running along Iran’s own coastline.

The dispute comes amid lingering tensions despite the preliminary peace agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned on Sunday that attempts to establish alternative maritime routes could “escalate tensions” across the region.

His comments followed a recent exchange of hostilities in which Iran struck a commercial vessel transiting the strait, prompting US strikes on Iranian coastal positions.

Under the memorandum of understanding reached between Tehran and Washington, Iran agreed to enter into discussions with Oman to determine the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz and the provision of maritime services.

The talks are to be conducted in consultation with other Gulf coastal states and in accordance with international law.

The agreement also stipulates that passage through the strait will remain toll-free for 60 days following the signing of the deal.

What arrangements will apply after that period remains unclear, leaving uncertainty over the long-term governance of one of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes.