Oman vows 'neutral cooperation' to restore Hormuz navigation

Oman's Neutral Diplomatic Stance

Oman's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday reaffirmed its commitment to "transparent and neutral cooperation" with all parties seeking to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. "Oman continues its transparent and neutral cooperation with all parties to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait, in full compliance with international law," the ministry said in a statement, adding that the Sultanate remains fully committed to its obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

US-Iran Tensions Over Waterway

The statement comes as tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran over the strategic waterway, with the two sides exchanging attacks despite a Pakistani-mediated memorandum of understanding aimed at ending their conflict. US President Donald Trump said on Monday that Washington would likely take control of operations in the strait and expected other countries to pay for protecting the vital shipping lane. Iran's military vowed that it will not allow the US to "interfere" in the strait's management.

Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia

Meanwhile, Oman condemned missile attacks by Yemen's Houthi group targeting Saudi Arabia, expressing solidarity with Riyadh's efforts "to safeguard its sovereignty, security and stability." Saudi air defenses intercepted ballistic missiles launched from Yemen on Monday. The attack came hours after Yemen's Defense Ministry said its forces struck the Sanaa airport runway following claims that the Houthis prevented Yemeni flights from landing while allowing an Iranian plane to land "in violation of the Yemeni territory."