Iran and Oman have resumed discussions on managing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz as Tehran faces growing economic pressure from the United States, while shipping through the strategic waterway remains severely restricted.
The two neighbouring countries have held intermittent talks for several weeks over how to restore safe maritime traffic through the strait, a vital global energy route that handled about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments before the war began.
Most commercial shipping has been suspended since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran.
Iran and Oman said their latest discussions focused on establishing a joint temporary navigation corridor through the strait. The two countries also agreed to cooperate on mine clearance operations.
The discussions come as diplomatic efforts to reach a wider agreement between Iran and the United States have stalled. Although direct fighting between the two sides has largely eased, the security situation around the waterway remains uncertain.
The risks were highlighted by an incident involving an oil tanker on Monday. The vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile and disabled about nine nautical miles, or 17 kilometres, northeast of Ash Shishah in Oman, near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency.
The latest negotiations also come as Washington seeks to increase economic pressure on Tehran. The United States warned earlier this week that countries and companies continuing to trade with Iran could face penalties, although Washington said the measures would not be imposed immediately.
Iran strongly criticised the US campaign, describing efforts to isolate its economy as an act of “gross lawlessness”. Tehran said it remained confident that several countries would resist Washington’s pressure and continue economic relations with Iran.
The uncertainty surrounding the strait has also affected global energy markets. Oil prices declined for a second consecutive day as traders appeared to discount the immediate impact of the new US sanctions.
Before the conflict, the Strait of Hormuz was one of the world’s most important energy corridors, connecting producers in the Persian Gulf with international markets. Prolonged disruption could affect energy supplies and shipping costs worldwide.
The conflict has caused thousands of deaths, with Iran and Lebanon suffering much of the reported loss of life. US and Israeli strikes have also damaged significant parts of Iran’s conventional military capabilities.
The status of Iran’s nuclear programme remains unclear. Washington and Israel have said they want to dismantle the programme, adding another major obstacle to efforts to secure a lasting agreement.
The latest talks between Tehran and Muscat could provide a limited route for restoring maritime traffic, although a permanent arrangement will depend on broader security and diplomatic developments.
