Iran, Oman Discuss Safe Navigation Through Strait of Hormuz

Iranian and Omani officials held talks in Muscat on Saturday to address navigation through the Strait of Hormuz following U.S. demands that Tehran issue a public pledge to keep the waterway open. The meeting between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi focused on “safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” according to Iranian state media.

The United States wants shipping to travel through a southern route along the Omani coast. Iran prefers vessels to hug its own coast through areas it can control. A U.S. official told reporters Friday that Tehran must issue a statement acknowledging the waterway is open for business and pledging not to fire on any more ships.

Iran’s ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeid Iravani, warned that continued U.S. violations of a Memorandum of Understanding reached last month would mean Iran is no longer bound by its obligations under the agreement.

Qatari officials joined the discussions, which included the possibility of creating a “median lane” through the strait, Axios reported. The plan could represent a compromise, but it remains unclear whether it would satisfy the Trump administration. Vessels are anchored in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 3, 2026.