Senior Iranian and Omani officials have launched high-level consultations in Muscat on establishing a new management framework for the strategic Strait of Hormuz following the recent Iran-US memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Iran’s delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Oman after concluding negotiations in Switzerland. The delegation held talks with Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad al-Busaidi and Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, focusing primarily on governance, maritime transit arrangements, and future security mechanisms for the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Omani and Iranian officials, discussions centered on implementing provisions of the recent Iran-US agreement related to the strait, while emphasizing adherence to international law and ensuring safe, toll-free navigation through one of the world's most important energy transit routes. Both sides also stressed the importance of utilizing the current diplomatic momentum to promote regional stability, de-escalation, maritime security, and good-neighborly cooperation.
Sources familiar with the negotiations indicated that Tehran is seeking new operational arrangements for the strait rather than a return to pre-conflict conditions. In parallel, technical committees in Switzerland, led by Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, are examining implementation mechanisms of the Islamabad-brokered MoU, including issues related to sanctions relief, frozen assets, oil sales, and compliance by all parties.
The talks come amid efforts to implement a broader Iran-US understanding that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, restoration of secure maritime transit, and the gradual lifting of sanctions through further negotiations.