Oman and Iran discuss Strait of Hormuz navigation and maritime security

Oman and Iran are discussing ways to resume dialogue and establish conditions for safe maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Omani Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone call to emphasize the importance of reaching practical understandings to ensure the flow of navigation and regional stability.

The negotiations involve a proposal to create a new transit route through the Strait, with both nations sharing responsibility for managing traffic. This follows Iran's March 2026 closure of the Strait in response to US-Israeli strikes and a subsequent US naval blockade on vessels heading to or from Iranian ports. Iran has stated that full reopening depends on several conditions, including the lifting of the naval blockade, the withdrawal of US forces from its vicinity, and the removal of sanctions.

Separately, Egypt and India are working to expand their strategic partnership and increase bilateral trade. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed efforts to raise trade volume to $12 billion over the next five years. The ministers also exchanged views on regional security and emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions to prevent military escalation and ensure freedom of navigation.