Iran’s Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that Tehran will hold talks with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states and Iraq on Monday in Oman. The meeting aims to enhance regional understanding and strengthen shared security regarding the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei affirmed that Iran remains committed to safeguarding navigation in the strait. The discussions follow weeks of negotiations between Iran and Oman, both of which border the waterway. In August, the two nations reached an agreement covering shipping routes, mine clearance, and short-term management of the area.
The talks come amid heightened tensions since US and Israeli airstrikes began targeting Iran in late February. In response to the military operations, Tehran imposed a blockade on the strait, which handles approximately 20% of global oil supplies. The disruption has driven oil prices above $100 per barrel earlier this week.
Al Jazeera’s Sinem Koseoglu reported from Tehran that Iran is broadening the political scope of the dialogue by inviting regional actors. She noted that while Iranian officials have long argued that regional issues should be resolved locally, the inclusion of GCC and Iraqi foreign ministers marks a significant expansion of the conversation. Sources suggest the main framework for a temporary shipping lane has already been agreed upon.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed the BRICS summit in India on Friday, describing the current geopolitical climate as one of “unprecedented complexity.” He stated that Iran is facing “critical and dangerous” pressure following recent military aggression by the United States and Israel, warning that sanctions and attacks on trade and infrastructure have repercussions beyond Iran’s borders.
As the strait remains closed, the US has maintained a naval blockade of Iranian ports. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the blockade on Friday, commending US President Donald Trump for applying economic pressure against what he termed the “world’s greatest source of instability.” Separately, during a speech commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Trump reiterated that Iran will never be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons.
Are we really trusting Iran with security talks after they blocked the strait? Seems risky to me.
Finally, diplomacy over blockade. Hopefully this keeps oil flowing above $100.