Oman hopes Hormuz meeting fill force Trump to ‘recognize that the future of the strait will be decided by regional countries,’ Iran expert says

An Iranian cargo ship was attacked near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz early Sunday, according to Iranian state media. The incident, which resulted in one fatality and injuries to four others, reignited attention on the strategic waterway following intensified threats to shipping in the region. Iranian state-run IRNA news agency cited the Qeshm governor in blaming a "terrorist enemy" for the attack.

The U.S. military, which has targeted Iranian-flagged vessels in a blockade of Iranian ports, is currently monitoring the situation. The United Kingdom's Maritime Trade Operations monitor reported that a vessel faced a projectile while passing through the strait, although it was unclear if this incident was the same as the reported attack. Fire broke out on the vessel, and local authorities initiated evacuations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed defiance in a social media post, stating, "Our people can't be bullied into submission. Iran won't surrender." Iran plans to brief regional countries on Monday about its efforts to manage shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting, set to take place in Oman, involves foreign ministers from the region and aims to discuss cooperation between Iran and Oman in managing shipping on the strait.

This development comes shortly after the Houthis, a Yemen-based group supported by Iran, captured an island on the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea. While the Houthis claim their actions are against Saudi Arabia, which supports Yemen's internationally recognized government, markets remain cautious about the potential impact on global shipping.

The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of concern due to ongoing attacks, despite claims that international trade is still proceeding with the assistance of the U.S. military.

Oman is optimistic about the meeting, hoping that the involvement of regional countries will force the Trump administration to acknowledge that the future of the strait will be determined by them. Iran has suggested that an agreement on the strait would require the U.S. to end its blockade. However, there is skepticism regarding the likelihood of reaching an agreement, with Bahrain declining to participate due to a lack of diplomatic relations with Tehran.