Oman, Iran agree to continue dialogue on future of Strait of Hormuz

Oman and Iran have issued a joint statement following high-level meetings held in Muscat, reaffirming their commitment to continued dialogue on the future of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement published by the Omani Foreign Ministry.

The talks took place during the visit of Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The delegation was received by Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and held discussions with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi.

“The Sultanate of Oman reaffirmed its support to the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran and the importance of sustaining dialogue and coordination in support of its successful implementation.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sultanate of Oman as the Coastal States of the Strait of Hormuz, reaffirm their commitment to the safe passage through the Strait, in line with applicable international law, while emphasizing their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz.The two sides discussed matters relating to the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with the provisions of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. 

They agreed to maintain their dialogue on this issue through a joint working group between the two foreign ministries in order to reach agreement on the future administration of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and the services that will be provided in this regard and the costs associated with them in accordance with international standards. In this context, they have also agreed to hold discussions with the littoral States in the region, and with any other relevant parties,” the ministry said.

The statement stressed that all arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz must fully respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the two coastal states bordering the waterway.

By Jeyhun Aghazada