Iran is set to hold discussions with Gulf states and Iraq in Oman this Monday regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian Foreign Ministry announced the meeting, stating that the primary goal is to “promote better understanding among the countries of the region and help strengthen shared regional security.”
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei emphasized that Tehran remains dedicated to maintaining the security of navigation through the critical waterway. The upcoming talks represent an effort to broaden the political scope of regional management, moving beyond bilateral discussions between Iran and Oman to include a wider coalition of neighboring nations.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy, has been subject to a blockade by Tehran since the onset of military strikes by the United States and Israel in late February. This disruption has significantly impacted global markets, with oil prices climbing above $100 a barrel earlier this week. Approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply typically passes through this passage.
Recent diplomatic progress suggests the talks may move into a second phase. Iranian officials indicated earlier this week that a consensus has been reached on a preliminary framework for a temporary shipping lane, which is expected to be formally announced soon. This follows previous agreements between Iran and Oman regarding mine clearing and short-term management of the strait.
The regional tension comes as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking ahead of the BRICS summit in India on Friday, described the current global climate as one of “unprecedented complexity.” He noted that Iran has faced severe pressure from international sanctions, which he claimed have reached a “critical and dangerous stage” following recent military aggression by the US and Israel. Pezeshkian warned that when a nation’s energy, trade, and financial systems are targeted, the global repercussions are inevitable.
The situation remains volatile, with the US maintaining a naval blockade on Iranian ports. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the ongoing economic pressure on Friday, offering congratulations to US President Donald Trump for confronting what he described as the world’s primary source of instability. Netanyahu affirmed that Israel stands with the US in addressing these regional threats.
Meanwhile, during a speech marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, attacks, President Trump reiterated his administration’s stance on Iran’s nuclear ambitions. He stated that the US is committed to ensuring that the “Islamist Republic of Iran, will never, ever have a nuclear weapon,” while commending the military personnel currently engaged in regional operations. The report also notes that for several weeks, Iran and Oman, which both border the Strait of Hormuz, have been discussing how to manage the future of the strategic waterway. The report also notes that “For some time we heard Iranian officials say that the regional issues should be solved by the regional actors, especially when it came to Hormuz,” she said. The report also notes that we will continue to make the world safer for all,” Netanyahu wrote on X, in the year ahead.
