Photo courtesy of Anadolu
A diplomatic push to establish new navigation arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz hit a setback after Oman postponed talks that were expected to bring Iran and several Gulf countries to the negotiating table.
The gathering was supposed to take place Monday in the southern Omani city of Salalah, with discussions centered on a proposed maritime route through the strategically important waterway.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi announced the delay Sunday, saying more time was needed to build consensus and create an environment conducive to productive negotiations. Muscat did not provide a replacement date.
Officials had expected representatives from Oman, Iran, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain to participate in the discussions.
The postponement followed Bahrain’s announcement that it would stay away from any collective ministerial talks involving Iran until diplomatic relations between Manama and Tehran were restored.
Iran had described the Salalah gathering as a foreign ministers’ meeting focused specifically on navigation in Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran and Muscat had already reached an understanding on a proposed route and prepared maps outlining the arrangement.
Araghchi, however, cautioned that the bilateral understanding should not be interpreted as an agreement to fully reopen the strait.
Hormuz has become a major source of regional and economic uncertainty amid the continuing confrontation involving Iran and the United States. The narrow passage is particularly important to global energy markets because large volumes of oil and liquefied natural gas normally move through it.
Oman’s decision leaves the next stage of negotiations uncertain, with no date announced for another meeting. Muscat said it would continue pursuing dialogue aimed at achieving longer-term regional security, stability and cooperation.
