Iran and Oman form joint working group on Strait of Hormuz management

Iran and Oman have agreed to establish a joint working group to manage navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement released after talks in the Omani capital Muscat. The announcement followed a visit by Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who met with Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.

The two countries, which share coastlines along the Strait of Hormuz, affirmed their commitment to guaranteeing safe passage through the waterway in accordance with international law, while emphasizing their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their territorial waters in the strait. The statement said the two sides discussed issues related to the strait under the provisions of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the US and Iran and agreed to continue consultations through a joint working group between their foreign ministries.

The working group will seek to reach an agreement on the future administration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the services to be provided there, and the associated costs, in line with international standards. Muscat and Tehran also agreed to hold discussions with other littoral states and any other relevant parties regarding the future arrangements.

The two countries stressed that all measures concerning the Strait of Hormuz must fully respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the states involved. They further reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the Strait of Hormuz as a safe and open route for international navigation, as well as underscored the importance of continued cooperation to promote maritime safety, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.

According to Mehr News, the joint working group is expected to facilitate ongoing dialogue and coordination between Iran and Oman on matters related to the strategic waterway, which is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.