Iran and Oman coordinate security of the Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Muscat on 11 July 2026 for high‑level talks with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi. The delegations reviewed technical, legal and operational mechanisms to manage navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, drawing on Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding that was mediated by Pakistan and Qatar.

Both sides affirmed that safe passage through the strategic waterway – vital for global energy supplies – must be overseen by the littoral states. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has announced a full closure of the strait “until further notice” in response to recent U.S. and Israeli military actions, and warned against any foreign navigation that ignores the agreed routes. The two governments agreed to continue political, technical and legal consultations, with Qatar participating in parts of the dialogue, to reach a joint understanding on maritime security and to prevent further escalation.

The talks aim to reduce foreign interference, protect commercial shipping and stabilise regional trade flows amid heightened U.S.–Iran tensions.