TEHRAN – Iran and Oman on Monday held the inaugural meeting of a joint committee on the Strait of Hormuz, as senior officials from both countries discussed the management of the strategically important waterway and ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the committee was established under a bilateral understanding aimed at enhancing consultations on the administration of the Strait of Hormuz, maritime navigation, and related issues.
Speaking after the meeting, Gharibabadi said discussions focused on administrative and technical matters concerning the waterway, future mechanisms for cooperation, and measures to improve coordination and communication between Tehran and Muscat.
He added that Iran and Oman would continue close consultations to promote stability in the Strait of Hormuz, ensure the safety of maritime traffic, and safeguard their shared interests.
The development comes amid reports that the United States and Iran have agreed to suspend military strikes against each other ahead of key talks expected to be held in Doha, Qatar, on Tuesday.
According to reports, the upcoming negotiations will focus on resolving issues related to the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring the safe passage of commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
Both sides have reportedly agreed to pause military operations while technical-level discussions continue on measures to guarantee secure maritime navigation. Reports further claimed that a memorandum of understanding reached during negotiations in Switzerland last week was followed by renewed tensions due to differing interpretations of provisions related to navigation in the Strait.
Sources said Washington has expressed its willingness to lift the naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports, while Tehran has assured efforts to facilitate the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
US officials said Nick Stewart, who heads the American technical delegation, will participate in the Doha negotiations. The two countries had also previously agreed to establish a direct communication hotline to coordinate maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, although the mechanism has yet to become operational.
The White House has not officially commented on the reported developments.
Separately, Iran has proposed the establishment of a new regional security framework for the Gulf and invited regional countries to join a cooperative alliance.
According to Iranian media, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the proposal following a meeting with Iraqi National Security Adviser Qasim Al-Aboudi. He said recent developments highlighted the need for regional countries to assume greater responsibility for their own security and determine future security arrangements through mutual consultation.
Araghchi said Iran was prepared to work with Gulf states to establish a regional security framework encompassing both defence cooperation and economic partnership. He stressed that lasting peace and stability in the region would require greater trust and cooperation among neighbouring countries while reducing the role of external military powers in regional security affairs.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime chokepoints, through which a substantial share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes, making its security critical to international trade and global energy markets.
US, Iran agree to pause military actions as key talks expected in Doha
