TEHRAN/MUSCAT (MNN); A planned meeting between Iran and Gulf Arab states in Oman on Monday to discuss arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz has been postponed at the request of some regional countries, according to Iran’s Fars News Agency.
The decision was jointly taken by Tehran and Muscat, Fars reported, citing an Iranian Foreign Ministry official.
Oman’s Foreign Minister also confirmed that the regional meeting, scheduled to take place in Salalah, had been postponed in the interest of reaching consensus. He said Oman remained committed to promoting dialogue aimed at strengthening regional stability and long-term cooperation.
Oman has traditionally played a mediating role in the region, including in diplomatic contacts involving Iran, the United States and other Middle Eastern countries.
The postponement comes amid heightened regional tensions and disruptions to major maritime routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, both of which are vital to international energy and shipping networks.
Iranian state media had earlier said the Salalah talks would seek to strengthen security cooperation in the Gulf. IRNA described the planned meeting as a possible “first step towards establishing a regional framework for security cooperation.”
The talks were expected to take place as tensions between Iran and the United States continued over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil and gas supplies passes.
Iran Links Hormuz Reopening to Islamabad MoU
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran’s reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was conditional on the United States returning to its commitments under the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
According to ISNA, Araghchi said discussions between Iran and Oman were focused on establishing a new maritime route through the strait, rather than simply reopening the existing waterway.
He said Iran would share details of its understanding with Oman, as well as plans for the proposed maritime route, with the countries concerned.
Pezeshkian Praises Pakistan’s Role
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian described Pakistan as a friendly neighbouring country and praised its role in efforts to promote peace.
In an interview with Arab media, Pezeshkian questioned calls for renewed negotiations with Iran following the Islamabad MoU, saying such demands were difficult to understand.
Pezeshkian also said he held “good talks” with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi.
He said the two sides had agreed to leave past differences behind and focus on future cooperation.
“We agreed to put the past aside and look forward to the future, and how we can build a future together,” Pezeshkian said.
