Oman, Iran form joint working group on Hormuz navigation

Oman's Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday that Muscat and Tehran have agreed to establish "a joint working group" to negotiate the future management of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, following high-level talks in the Omani capital. The Iranian delegation, led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi during the visit, the ministry said.

The two countries, which share coastlines along the strategic waterway, affirmed their commitment to guaranteeing safe passage through the strait in accordance with international law while emphasizing their sovereignty and sovereign rights over territorial waters. The working group will seek agreement on navigation administration, services and associated costs in line with international standards, and will consult with other littoral states on future arrangements.

Islamabad Understanding framework

The arrangement falls under clause five of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United States and Iran, according to the statement. Muscat and Tehran agreed to continue consultations through the joint working group between their foreign ministries, stressing that all measures concerning the strait "must fully respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights."

The 14-point Islamabad Understanding, mediated by Pakistan and announced on June 14, entered into force on June 18 after being electronically signed by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump. Under the agreement, Iran committed to ensuring safe and toll-free passage of commercial vessels for 60 days while conducting mine-clearing operations within 30 days, and also agreed to establish a "de-confliction cell" involving the US, Iran and Lebanon to ensure adherence to the cessation of military operations in Lebanon.