Iran, Oman discuss safe shipping through Strait of Hormuz

Iran, Oman discuss safe shipping through Strait of Hormuz
Night view of Muscat, Oman, 22 March 2026.
Reuters

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi have discussed arrangements to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, Araghchi and Albusaidi exchanged views on mechanisms to safeguard navigation through the strategic waterway in line with the recent ceasefire agreement.

Oman's state news agency later said discussions would continue at both the technical and political levels.

Shipping security in focus

The talks come as the United States seeks a public commitment from Tehran guaranteeing free and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Senior U.S. officials said Washington wants Iran to publicly pledge that commercial vessels can transit the strait without attacks or additional restrictions.

CNN reported that Oman had proposed a framework allowing free navigation through the southern shipping corridor in Omani territorial waters. Vessels using the northern corridor in Iranian waters would require prior approval from Tehran without paying transit fees.

The White House and State Department did not immediately comment on the report.

Diplomatic efforts continue

Oman has played a central mediating role in efforts to end the conflict that began after U.S. and Israeli airstrikes on Iran in February.

A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Iran, the United States, Qatar and Pakistan were seeking to arrange further negotiations while Araghchi was in Muscat.

However it was not immediately clear whether those talks had taken place.

No new attacks were reported on Friday (10 July) or Saturday, despite heightened tensions earlier in the week.

Ceasefire remains fragile

The latest diplomatic contacts follow attacks on commercial shipping that prompted U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and retaliatory Iranian attacks on U.S. military facilities in the Gulf.

Iran has denied responsibility for the attacks on commercial vessels, although analysts say such incidents have increased pressure on negotiations.

President Donald Trump said on Friday that Washington had agreed to continue talks with Tehran. He also declared the ceasefire "over", warning that future progress would depend on Iran's actions.

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