Iran-Gulf Meeting Postponed as Oman Seeks Better Conditions for Dialogue

The Iran-Gulf Meeting planned for Monday in Salalah, Oman, has been postponed until a later date. The meeting was expected to focus on arrangements related to the Strait of Hormuz and ways to support regional dialogue.

Oman stated that the decision was made to improve circumstances for a healthy discussion. The country has not announced a new meeting date.

Iran-Gulf Meeting Was Expected to Bring Regional Countries Together

Iran had stated that Oman would host the meeting, with Iraq and Gulf countries anticipated to attend. However, no regional government had publicly confirmed its participation prior to the postponement, and Bahrain had already stated it would not attend.

Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi stated that his country remains dedicated to fostering negotiations that will support regional stability and long-term cooperation.

Iranian state media reported that the delay occurred after some regional countries requested that the summit be postponed. According to an Iranian foreign ministry spokesman, Tehran and Muscat agreed to reschedule the meeting. The countries who requested a delay were not mentioned.

Strait of Hormuz Remains at the Center of Regional Tensions

The meeting takes place as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to the larger crisis that began on February 28 with US and Israeli bombings on Iran.

Throughout the conflict, the strategically significant canal has been subject to ongoing restrictions. A June agreement between Washington and Tehran was later broken apart due to concerns over the strait.

Another important shipping route has been disrupted by the circumstances. Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who are aligned with Tehran, have launched an offensive, increasing pressure on the Bab al-Mandeb canal.

The ongoing restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz have had an impact on oil markets. This week, oil prices rose beyond $100 per barrel as the battle and disruption around the canal intensified.

Oman and Iran Continue Talks Over Hormuz

Oman and Iran have been negotiating the future of the Strait of Hormuz for several weeks. Prior to the conflict, ships could pass across the strait without the current limitations.

Iran currently needs vessels to request permission to use the river and is proposing a system that may include service fees. Iranians have attacked ships that do not comply with the standards.

The US has also launched periodic strikes along Iran’s coastline, challenging Tehran’s control over the strategically critical waterway. The regional meeting has been postponed, therefore negotiations including Iran, Oman, and other nations will have to wait until a new date is set.