Oman and Iran discussed ways to restore safe and uninterrupted maritime traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, with both countries emphasizing the need for practical agreements that could help reopen the key waterway.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation Friday as shipping through the strait remained heavily disrupted amid continuing tensions between Iran and the United States.
According to Oman News Agency, the two officials discussed efforts to create conditions that could allow diplomatic talks to resume, reduce disagreements and support peaceful solutions while considering the interests of all parties.
The ministers also stressed the importance of reaching practical understandings that could help return normal navigation to the Strait of Hormuz.
Earlier in August, Iran announced that it had reached an understanding with Oman regarding the geographic coordinates of a proposed maritime corridor for commercial vessels using the strait. Tehran said both sides had agreed on the basic geographic criteria, although a joint statement detailing the agreement had yet to be completed.
Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly lower than before the conflict because of continuing security concerns and attacks involving commercial ships in regional waters.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations reported Friday that shipping activity through the waterway was approximately 90% below prewar levels. Earlier in August, the organization reported that traffic had recovered to 17% of its previous average after dropping to only 4% the week before.
In June, Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding that included a commitment to stop hostilities and restore commercial shipping through the strait. However, the arrangement later collapsed because of disagreements over how the agreement should be implemented and how navigation through the waterway would be managed.
The current conflict began in late February following a surprise US and Israeli attack on Iran. Tehran subsequently launched attacks against targets in Israel and US military installations across the region.
With the Strait of Hormuz serving as a major route for global energy and maritime trade, Oman and Iran are now seeking practical arrangements that could help restore stability and allow commercial shipping to resume.
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