Iran and Oman held their first joint meeting on managing the Strait of Hormuz, while U.S. envoys arrived in Qatar for talks on easing tensions, according to multiple reports. The discussions come as shipping traffic through the critical waterway rebounded after recent attacks, with officials from both nations offering conflicting statements on tolls and routes.
First Joint Meeting Between Iran and Oman
Iranian and Omani officials met for the first time to address the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil and gas supplies. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the “first meeting of the Joint Hormuz Committee” took place during a trip to Muscat, though he did not specify the date. “While reviewing the current issues related to the strait, we exchanged views on the future management,” Gharibabadi said, per CBS News. Oman has provided mixed signals, initially agreeing to assess costs related to the strait before later denying plans for “passage fees” and proposing a “temporary maritime corridor” coordinated with the UN. Iran rejected this, asserting that only a corridor near its coastline is authorized, according to the same report.
The U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, cited by CBS, mandates that Iran engage in dialogue with Oman to define the strait’s future administration, with the goal of keeping it “toll-free for 60 days” after the deal’s signing. However, Iran has signaled potential “services fees” for ships, a move the U.S. opposes, calling the strait an international waterway.
Shipping Traffic Rebounds Amid Tensions
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz rebounded on Tuesday, with 40 crossings reported, up from 24 on Sunday following attacks on commercial vessels. Kpler data showed that traffic dipped to 24 crossings on Sunday after the Kiku tanker was attacked, but recovered to 40 on Monday, with 10 vessels using the southern Omani route coordinated by the U.S. Navy. Fox News reported that 32 of the 40 vessels were large tankers and bulk carriers, with most moving east-to-west, reducing insurance risks.
For more on this story, see Iran and Oman Hold First Joint Committee Meeting on Strait of Hormuz.
The recovery suggests shippers are resuming operations despite ongoing diplomatic talks and security risks. Gas prices rose to $3.84 on Tuesday, highlighting the strait’s economic significance. Iran’s push to assert control over the waterway has led to the development of alternative routes, including pipelines and new corridors, offering shippers options to bypass the strait, according to Fox News.
U.S. Envoys in Qatar Amid Ongoing Talks
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Qatar for meetings on Iran, with officials emphasizing that direct negotiations with Iranian diplomats would not occur immediately. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari stated that mediators would act as intermediaries, avoiding high-level talks until technical discussions progress. “We’re not expecting any high-level Iranian officials at the moment, but as I said, the technical meetings are ongoing,” al-Ansari told journalists, per the Los Angeles Times.
This follows our earlier report, US-Iran Talks Collapse: Will Lasting Peace Remain Out of Reach?.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed that Iran’s delegation in Qatar would focus on implementing parts of the U.S.-Iran memorandum, including the release of blocked assets. However, he denied plans for direct talks with the U.S. “What will take place in Doha tomorrow is a discussion with the Qatari side about implementing parts of the memorandum of understanding,” Baghaei said, according to the LA Times. The interim deal, signed earlier this month, includes a 60-day period for free traffic through the strait and a commitment to reduce Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile.
The talks follow renewed clashes in the Persian Gulf, including Iran’s attacks on vessels and U.S. airstrikes. The Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for 20% of global oil shipments, remains a flashpoint despite its designation as an international waterway. Both Iran and Oman claim sovereignty over the strait, complicating efforts to resolve disputes.
What Comes Next?
The upcoming discussions in Doha will test the viability of the U.S.-Iran memorandum, which aims to de-escalate tensions but faces hurdles from both sides. Iran’s insistence on tolls and route control clashes with U.S. demands for open access, while Oman’s ambiguous stance adds complexity. Analysts note that the 60-day toll-free period is a critical benchmark, with broader agreements pending negotiations on uranium stockpiles and sanctions relief.
Read also: Iran Weighs Ceasefire Deal Amid Ongoing Military Stalemate.
For now, the strait’s strategic importance ensures it remains a focal point in U.S.-Iran relations. As shipping traffic rebounds and diplomatic efforts continue, the outcome of these talks could shape global energy markets and regional stability. “The technical meetings are ongoing… and they haven’t stopped since then,” al-Ansari said, suggesting that while high-level talks are stalled, the process of addressing the crisis persists.
CBS News reported on the Iran-Oman meeting and U.S.-Iran tensions. Fox News covered shipping traffic and gas prices. Los Angeles Times detailed the U.S. envoys’ arrival and mediation efforts.
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