Oman urges diplomacy for lasting Hormuz navigation amid deadlock

Oman’s foreign minister on Sunday called for diplomatic efforts to ensure lasting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing shipping restrictions following joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran. Badr Albusaidi said he held “good” talks with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, on the strategic waterway. “As littoral states, we recognize our shared responsibility to the international community and the urgent humanitarian need to free the seafarers held for far too long,” he wrote on the US-based social media platform X. “Much diplomacy is required and practical solutions to ensure lasting freedom of navigation,” he added.

Araghchi shuttles between Oman, Pakistan, and Russia

Araghchi arrived in Muscat on Saturday from Islamabad for talks with Omani officials amid Pakistani mediation efforts to broker an agreement between Iran and the US. After his visit to Oman, the Iranian foreign minister returned to Pakistan on Sunday for further discussions regarding a potential second round of negotiations with Washington. He later left Islamabad for Moscow to meet with Russian officials.

Sticking points remain

Iran and the US held talks in Islamabad two weeks ago but failed to reach an agreement to end their conflict. The negotiations followed a two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan on April 8, later extended by President Donald Trump. Key sticking points include the status of the Strait of Hormuz, the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, and Iran’s enriched uranium program. Efforts for another round of talks continue.