Oman, Iran start discussions on opening Straits of Hormuz amid West Asia conflict
Muscat, April 5
The Foreign Ministry of Oman on Sunday stated that the Sultanate and the Islamic Republic of Iran have initiated discussions on ensuring the smooth flow of maritime transit through the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz amid prevailing regional conflict, which is currently in its second month.
According to a statement issued by the ministry on X, the two sides held a meeting on Saturday, April 4, at the level of deputy foreign ministers, with participation from specialists representing both countries.
The statement noted that the discussions focused on "possible options for ensuring the smooth flow of transit" through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor that handles a significant share of the world's energy shipments.
"The Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran held a meeting on April 4, 2026 CE, at the level of deputy ministers in the foreign ministries of the two countries, attended by specialists from both sides. The meeting discussed possible options for ensuring the smooth flow of transit through the Strait of Hormuz amid the circumstances currently prevailing in the region," the statement read.
During the meeting, experts from both sides presented a range of proposals and perspectives aimed at maintaining stability and uninterrupted maritime movement in the region. These proposals will be further studied, the statement added.
Earlier, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, during an interview with Sputnik, stated that the Islamic Republic was in the final stages of preparing a draft protocol aimed at establishing a new navigation regime in the Strait of Hormuz and plans to initiate discussions with Oman for a joint framework.
During the interview, Gharibabadi stated, "The draft of this protocol is currently in the final stages of preparation. Once we have it ready, we will begin negotiations with Oman so that we can draft a joint protocol."
He indicated that the proposed protocol is intended to regulate navigation in the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran seeking cooperation from Oman to develop a mutually agreed mechanism, as reported by Sputnik.
Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council is scheduled to vote on a draft resolution proposed by Bahrain that seeks to authorise member states to use "all defensive means necessary" to ensure safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz next week, amid the conflict in West Asia.
The proposal comes amid rising tensions over maritime security amid the conflict in West Asia, which has seen severe disruption in energy trade due to the virtual blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy trade.
Bahrain, which currently holds the rotating presidency of the Security Council and has been under fire from Iran amid the conflict, urged an international response to threats against global navigation routes.
The draft resolution has undergone several revisions after Russia and China opposed language that explicitly called for the use of force to reopen the strategic waterway.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an expat in Dubai, the stability of this region is everything. The fact that Russia and China opposed the forceful language in the UN resolution shows how complex this is. Direct talks between neighbours like Oman and Iran are the best way forward.
India should be watching this very closely. Nearly 20% of our crude oil comes via that strait. Any disruption sends fuel prices soaring here. Our diplomacy needs to support any dialogue that ensures free navigation. Jai Hind!
While dialogue is good, we must be realistic. Iran's history of using the strait as leverage in conflicts is worrying. The UN draft resolution seems like a necessary backup plan. Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.
The common man in India suffers the most when global oil supply is hit. Petrol prices are already too high. I appreciate Oman's efforts, but the international community, including India, must ensure this vital route is never weaponized. Enough is enough.
Interesting to see Bahrain, a small Gulf state, taking such a strong stance at the UN. It shows how deeply every nation in the region is affected. A joint Iran-Oman protocol could be a model for regional cooperation, if done in good faith.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.