Oman says Hormuz talks with Iran, Gulf states postponed

Oman has postponed a meeting between Iran and Gulf countries regarding the Strait of Hormuz, the source reports. The meeting, which was scheduled for Monday in Salalah, Oman, was to discuss the future of the strait, a vital waterway for global oil and gas flows. Iran's foreign ministry had invited Iraq and Gulf countries to participate in the negotiations, though no country had confirmed attendance by the time of the postponement.

The Gulf state of Bahrain had previously ruled out attending the meeting. Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi stated that they are committed to promoting dialogue that fosters stability and cooperation in the region. The Strait of Hormuz has been under both Iranian and, later, US blockade since February 28, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

This has led to a wider conflict in the region. Despite a June agreement between Washington and Tehran, disagreements over Hormuz have continued. In recent days, Yemen's Houthi rebels have gained leverage over another critical waterway, the Bab al-Mandab. The ongoing Hormuz blockade has driven up oil prices, with them exceeding $100 a barrel this week.