/Agencia Reuters
Oman and Iran recently agreed to proceed with discussions on the future administration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including maritime services in this strategic waterway and the costs associated with them.
In a joint statement issued following talks in Muscat, both countries stated that a joint working group will be created involving their foreign ministries to continue the debates. The nations will consult other riparian states and relevant parties.
The move appears to implement a provision of the memorandum of understanding signed last week, which requires Iran to hold talks with Oman and other Gulf coastal states on the future management of navigation and maritime services in the strait, a vital waterway for global oil supply.
The agreement was announced following the visit of Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, who met with the Sultan of Oman, Haitham bin Tariq. The parties held talks with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi.
In the statement, Oman and Iran, the two riparian states of the strait, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring safe passage through the waterway in accordance with international law, while emphasizing sovereignty over their territorial waters.
Since the start of the war between the United States and Israel against Iran in February, the waterway has remained largely closed to commercial shipping. The U.S. blockaded Iranian ports after Iran began effectively blocking the strait.
Oman and Iran reaffirmed their commitment to the strait being a safe and open route for international navigation, as well as to promoting maritime security, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.
