/Agencia Reuters
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani, visited Muscat to hold talks with Oman on starting negotiations involving Iran, Iraq, and the Arab states of the Persian Gulf regarding the Strait of Hormuz, according to a diplomat with knowledge of the talks who spoke to Reuters.
These deliberations are independent of the peace dialogues between Washington and Tehran, as well as the demining agreements. The Gulf monarchies are expected to push for exempting the route from transit tolls, while Iran could propose environmental, navigation, and security levies.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, has suffered severe disruptions since the United States and Israel began a war against Iran on February 28, which has hampered commercial shipping and shaken global energy markets.
The initiative appears to set in motion a provision of the memorandum of understanding signed last week, which requires Iran to hold talks with Oman, other Gulf states, and Iraq on the future management of navigation and maritime services in the strait.
The diplomat added that Pakistan was proposed as a mediator for these talks. Separately, there are plans to hold regional reconciliation talks in Riyadh between Iran, the Arab Gulf states, and possibly other countries in the region, the source said.
Oman announces temporary routes
Earlier, Oman announced two temporary routes north and south of the existing navigation lane in the strait to facilitate the safe passage of vessels leaving the region, in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Under a phased plan developed by the IMO in coordination with Omani authorities, vessels will be grouped and contacted individually with instructions on when they can depart and which route to follow.
Oman stated that shipowners and captains remain responsible for conducting independent risk assessments before voyages. Vessels were instructed to keep their Automatic Identification System (AIS) activated during transit and to report any navigational hazards to the Oman Maritime Security Centre.
Oman’s statement affirmed that no tolls will be imposed on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, in line with the outcome of recent talks between the United States and Iran.
Iran and Oman began discussions on Tuesday regarding the future administration of navigation and maritime services in the waterway.
