On April 16, senior officials from Iran and Oman held talks in Muscat, focusing on two main topics: resuming bilateral dialogue and the maritime transport situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported that the Iranian delegation was led by the Deputy Foreign Minister for Political Affairs.
Oman emphasized the importance of maintaining stability and maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for about 20% of global oil consumption. Both sides agreed that dialogue is essential to resolve differences and reduce the risk of escalation in the region.
The meeting took place amid complex developments in the Middle East, following attacks on commercial vessels and mutual accusations among involved parties. Oman has a well-established role as a mediator, having previously hosted discussions between Tehran and Western nations.
On the Iranian side, officials reaffirmed their readiness for constructive dialogue and stressed the importance of freedom of navigation and security for vessels in their waters. Muscat expressed hope that this meeting would pave the way for deeper consultations, contributing to de-escalation in the Gulf region.
No official announcement has been made regarding the scheduling of further negotiations, but sources indicate that both sides are considering technical cooperation mechanisms to ensure smooth maritime flow through this strategic strait.