Iran and Oman Discuss Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart Badr Al-Busaidi held talks on Saturday regarding arrangements for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iran's official news agency. The discussions come as the United States seeks a public commitment from Iran to ensure free and secure transit through the strategic waterway.
US President Donald Trump confirmed on Friday that the US and Iran had agreed to continue negotiations despite an escalation of hostilities earlier this week. However, Trump also declared an end to the ceasefire between the two countries. No attacks were reported on Friday or Saturday.
Mediation Efforts and Technical Talks
A senior Iranian source told Reuters that Iran, the US, Qatar, and Pakistan had agreed to hold a call on Saturday, with mediators attempting to arrange the conversation while Araghchi is in Oman. It remains unclear whether the call took place. In a statement, Araghchi and Al-Busaidi “exchanged views on appropriate mechanisms for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz,” in line with the ceasefire deal. Oman’s state news agency later confirmed that negotiators would continue talks “at the technical and political levels.”
Impact of the Conflict on Global Oil Supply
Oman has been mediating an end to the war that has destabilized the Gulf region and raised global prices since the US and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28. Before the conflict, approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s effective blockade of the waterway has caused energy prices to surge, fueling global inflation.
The United States is demanding that Iran publicly state it will stop attacks on ships in the strait and ensure all lanes are open without tolls, senior US officials told reporters on Friday. CNN reported on Saturday that Oman had proposed a draft plan for the strait, including free navigation through its southern corridor in Omani territorial waters. The plan would require vessels transiting the northern corridor through Iranian territorial waters to obtain prior approval from Iran, but no tolls would be imposed. The White House and State Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the CNN report.
Recent Attacks and Ceasefire Violations
Three Qatari and Saudi commercial tankers came under fire earlier this week, prompting the US to strike Iranian sites. Iran responded with attacks on US military sites in Gulf states. Araghchi accused the United States of violating the ceasefire agreement, and the US revoked the license authorizing the sale of Iranian crude on Tuesday after the vessels were hit. “There can only be mutual compliance,” Araghchi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
While Iran has not claimed responsibility for the ship attacks, analysts say Tehran uses such actions to gain leverage in negotiations. Senior US officials told reporters on Friday that Iran had informed US officials that the recent attacks on shipping were from an “errant part of their system,” comments that appeared aimed at calming tensions.
Political Ramifications and Threats
The flare-up has cast further doubt on the future of an interim agreement aimed at ending the conflict and has pushed oil prices higher, a politically sensitive issue for Trump ahead of November congressional elections. “The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue ‘talks.’ We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform on Friday.
In a written statement released on Saturday, Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, threatened vengeance for the death of his predecessor and father, who was killed on February 28. The statement, marking funeral ceremonies for former leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Thursday, said vengeance would take place regardless of what happens to Iran. “We pledge to avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs,” the message said.
Trump had posted on Friday that he ordered the US military to be prepared to launch thousands of missiles against Iran if Tehran attempted to assassinate him. The Wall Street Journal and other US media reported this week that Israel had shared intelligence with Washington that Iran recently devised a plan to assassinate Trump. At the funeral ceremonies on Thursday, a huge crowd of mourners packed a courtyard, some bearing banners reading, “We Will Kill Trump.”
