Oman postpones Iran-Gulf talks on Strait of Hormuz

MUSCAT, September 14 - The Gulf nation of Oman has postponed a meeting scheduled for today between Iran and Gulf countries concerning the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint in the Middle East conflict. Iran's foreign ministry had announced a gathering hosted by Oman, aiming to negotiate the future of the strait, which is vital for global oil and gas transport.

Tehran reportedly intended to include Iraq and other Gulf nations in the discussion, though no participating states have confirmed their attendance, with Bahrain explicitly declining to participate. On September 13, Oman's News Agency announced that the regional meeting, set to take place in Salalah, had been postponed to a later date to establish an atmosphere conducive to constructive dialogue.

Oman's Foreign Minister, Badr Albusaidi, affirmed on X that "we remain determined to promote dialogue that contributes to stability and lasting cooperation in our region." The Strait of Hormuz has been under an Iranian blockade since February 28, following a series of airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iran, which prompted a larger regional war.

An accord between the United States and Iran, signed in June, dissolved due to disagreements regarding the Hormuz issue, and recent Houthi attacks from Yemen have given Tehran a strategic advantage over another vital waterway, the Bab al-Mandab. The ongoing Hormuz blockade has been driving up oil prices, with the price of crude oil surpassing $100 a barrel this week.

Oman and Iran have been in discussions for several weeks to address the critical waterway; however, Iran now mandates vessels to obtain permission, and has even contemplated imposing service fees. Ships that fail to comply are frequently targeted by Iranian strikes, while the US periodically bombs the Iranian coastline to challenge Tehran's control of the strait.

This development comes more than six months into the Middle East war, with the Hormuz blockade persisting as a major factor in the escalating oil prices.