Official: Iran, Oman discuss new mechanism to secure Strait of Hormuz transit

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on May 18 that Tehran was working with Oman and other regional partners on a new mechanism to ensure security and transit through the Strait of Hormuz, while also continuing indirect negotiations with the US over Iran’s latest settlement proposal.

Speaking at a press conference, Baghaei said Iran and Oman were holding continuous consultations aimed at safeguarding navigation through the strategic waterway, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.

“The Strait of Hormuz lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, therefore these two coastal states are obliged to take the necessary measures to ensure safe passage for all countries,” Baghaei said. “We are in constant contact with Oman and other interested parties to develop a mechanism that will help achieve this goal, and negotiations are underway.”

Baghaei said expert-level talks between Iranian and Omani officials took place in Muscat last week and that consultations were continuing “without interruption”. He did not elaborate on the details of the proposed mechanism or identify the other countries involved in the discussions.

His comments come amid heightened regional tensions and renewed international attention on maritime security in the Gulf, where the Strait of Hormuz remains a critical route for global energy exports.

Baghaei also said Iran and the United States were continuing indirect talks over Tehran’s latest proposal aimed at resolving disputes between the two sides, with Pakistan acting as a mediator.

According to the Iranian spokesman, Washington publicly rejected the Iranian proposal last week but later sent comments and suggested amendments through Pakistani intermediaries.

“On the very next day after we sent our comments to the American side, we received from Pakistan a package of proposals, which has been under review over the past several days,” Baghaei said.

He added that Tehran had submitted its response to the latest proposals and that negotiations were continuing on an ongoing basis.

By Aghakazim Guliyev