Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, in Muscat on Saturday to discuss mechanisms ensuring the safe passage of vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the official Oman News Agency (ONA).
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Tensions
The two officials discussed the state of diplomatic efforts and the situation in the strait, focusing on ensuring safety and freedom of navigation “in light of the circumstances and repercussions arising from recent developments,” ONA reported. They agreed to hold further technical and political talks.
The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed earlier Saturday that Araghchi had arrived in Oman for the discussions following renewed clashes in the region.
Proposed Two-Corridor Traffic Management
Oman has drafted a proposal to manage traffic in the Strait of Hormuz through two separately controlled routes, a source with knowledge of the talks told CNN. Under the agreement, which is yet to be finalized, both corridors would remain open.
The Southern Corridor, through Omani territorial waters, would allow free navigation under pre-war conditions. Vessels transiting the Northern Corridor, through Iranian territorial waters, would require prior approval from Iran, although no tolls would be imposed under the deal.
Regional Context
The talks come amid heightened tensions in the region, with over 100 terrorists reportedly killed in ongoing Balochistan operations, and calls for de-escalation from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia as US-Iran tensions rise.
