On October 15, during a high-level meeting between officials of the two countries, Tehran and Muscat agreed to form a joint committee tasked with managing and monitoring maritime activities in the Strait of Hormuz. This is seen as a significant step to bolster bilateral cooperation amid rising regional tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf, is one of the world’s most strategic chokepoints, handling about 20% of globally traded seaborne oil. The establishment of the joint committee is expected to enhance coordination between the naval forces of both nations, particularly in responding to incidents such as ship collisions, smuggling, or security threats.
According to sources from Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the committee will meet regularly to exchange information, develop joint operating procedures, and organize combined exercises. Oman also emphasized its neutral role in maintaining regional peace and security.
The move comes as Persian Gulf littoral states strive to reduce tensions following a series of tanker attacks and maritime disruptions in recent years. Analysts suggest the Iran-Oman joint committee could help build trust and reduce the risk of inadvertent conflict in this critical area.
