Iran and Oman discussed response measures to ensure smooth vessel passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
On the 5th (local time), according to Oman's state news agency, the two countries held a meeting at the Vice Minister level at their foreign ministries and discussed measures to guarantee passage through the strait reflecting the recent situation in the Middle East. Experts from both countries also took part in the talks and were said to have reviewed a range of alternatives.
The two sides shared several scenarios to secure vessel safety and maintain order in passage, and they also exchange views on specific implementation measures.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key maritime route through which about 20% of the world's seaborne crude oil trade passes. But with military clashes in the Middle East intensifying recently, safe navigation for ships has become difficult.
Iran is maintaining its position that it will allow selective passage for ships transiting its waters based on nationality and the nature of their cargo. Accordingly, some observers say whether traffic in the strait returns to normal could affect the international energy market.
Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Foreign Ministry Vice Minister, said in a recent interview that, together with Oman, he is preparing a new protocol to manage passage through the strait. Noting the need for prior coordination with littoral states when transiting the strait, Gharibabadi said, "This is not a restriction but a measure for safe passage."
However, Vice Minister Gharibabadi said, "It will be difficult to apply the same rules as before the war," suggesting that navigation restrictions may be unavoidable for certain countries.
Depending on the outcome of the bilateral consultations, the order of passage in the Strait of Hormuz and the flow of international maritime logistics are expected to change.