Oman has postponed the Hormuz talks that were scheduled to take place on Monday between Iran and Gulf countries, according to an announcement from the Omani government, marking another setback in efforts to negotiate the future of the Strait of Hormuz, the major flashpoint in the ongoing Middle East war. The decision to delay the meeting came just a day before it was set to convene in Salalah.
Iran’s foreign ministry had earlier stated that a meeting hosted by Oman would be held where the future of the strait, which is vital for global oil and gas flows, would be negotiated. Tehran indicated that Iraq and Gulf countries would participate, without specifying which states, but no country in the region had confirmed its participation. Bahrain explicitly ruled out attending.
According to the Oman News Agency, the postponement was decided upon “to create conditions conducive to a constructive dialogue.” The announcement was made on Sunday, a day before the planned talks.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi addressed the delay on X, stating that “we remain determined to promote dialogue that contributes to stability and lasting cooperation in our region.” His comment underscored Oman’s continued commitment to facilitating regional discussions despite the setback.
The Strait of Hormuz has been subjected to an Iranian blockade, and later a US blockade, since February 28, when the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, prompting a wider war across the region. More than six months into the Middle East war, the Hormuz blockade continues to drive up oil prices, which soared past $100 a barrel this week.
A June accord between Washington and Tehran faltered on disagreements over Hormuz, and a blistering offensive in recent days by Yemen’s Houthi rebels has given the Tehran-allied group leverage over a second critical waterway, the Bab al-Mandab. The combined disruptions have heightened concerns over global energy supplies.
Oman and Iran have been discussing for several weeks how to manage the crucial waterway. Before the war, the strait was free to transit, but Iran now requires vessels to obtain permission and is considering a mechanism to impose service fees. Ships that do not comply are regularly targeted by Iranian strikes, while the United States periodically bombs the Iranian coastline to challenge the Islamic republic’s control of the strait.
The postponement of the Hormuz talks highlights the difficulties in bringing regional parties to the table amid ongoing hostilities. No new date has been announced for the meeting.
Source: ARY News