Iran, Oman Agree on Hormuz Framework

Darwin, 01 July : Iran and Oman have held the first meeting of their joint committee to discuss the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, reaching a preliminary consensus on the strategic waterway’s administration, according to Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi. Al Jazeera reported the development, citing Iranian state media.

According to AFP, Gharibabadi said Tehran and Muscat had agreed on a common understanding regarding the administrative framework for the Strait of Hormuz.

He stated that Oman, as a coastal state with sovereign rights over the waterway, supports participating in its management. Oman also believes that fees should be charged in exchange for services provided to vessels transiting the strait.

Gharibabadi added that the two countries will establish a technical committee to advance the discussions. Experts are expected to begin talks within the next seven to eight days, after which they will prepare a draft proposal and continue negotiations on the shipping route.

The future governance of the Strait of Hormuz has long been a point of disagreement between Iran and the United States. Tehran is seeking to introduce a new service-fee mechanism in coordination with Oman, while Washington has opposed any such charges on international shipping through the vital maritime corridor.