On July 24, Iran and Oman officially announced an agreement to establish a joint committee for the Strait of Hormuz, marking a new step in bilateral cooperation on maritime security in this sensitive region.
According to a joint statement, the two sides will coordinate to maintain safety and stability for maritime traffic through the Strait, which handles approximately 20% of the world's crude oil shipments. The new committee will focus on issues including marine environmental protection, emergency rescue, and technical cooperation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian emphasized: "The Strait of Hormuz is the economic lifeline of the region, and cooperation with Oman is the key to ensuring shared interests." Meanwhile, his Omani counterpart Badr al-Busaidi affirmed that this agreement would help reduce tensions and promote dialogue in the region.
The move comes amid escalating tensions between Iran and Western countries over the nuclear program, as well as recent attacks on oil tankers. Experts assess that the joint committee could serve as a stepping stone for broader security cooperation in the Persian Gulf.
The first meeting of the committee is expected to take place in Muscat, Oman, in the coming quarter, focusing on establishing a legal framework and operational coordination mechanisms.
