Oman and Iran have agreed to form a joint working group focused on the management of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil shipments. The announcement came as Iranian officials traveled to Oman to initiate talks aimed at enhancing navigation safety and regional security, according to Middle East Monitor and Middle East Eye.
The new committee intends to address concerns related to maritime safety and facilitate the smooth passage of commercial vessels through the strait, which sees approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum trade. Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that cooperation with Iran is essential for reducing tensions and preventing potential conflicts in the strategically vital waterway, The National reports.
This development marks a diplomatic step forward following years of intermittent disputes and incidents involving foreign naval forces and commercial traffic in the region. Al-Monitor notes that both countries intend to use the joint body as a platform for dialogue to manage maritime traffic more effectively and to implement coordinated security measures, ensuring that the strait remains open and secure.
Tempo English highlights that the committee involves representatives from military and civilian maritime authorities of both countries, signaling a comprehensive approach to monitoring and managing activities in the strait. The timing coincides with ongoing geopolitical pressures in the Middle East, including Western sanctions on Iran and heightened tensions between Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council states.
Observers will be monitoring how the joint working group moves from initial talks to concrete agreements, as well as the potential involvement of other regional and global stakeholders in security arrangements. The success of the committee could influence broader stability in the Persian Gulf and impact global energy markets in the coming months.
