- Muscat Says Delay Aimed at Building Regional Consensus as Hormuz Navigation Remains Key Issue
DOHA: Oman has postponed a planned meeting of foreign ministers from the Gulf countries and Iran, which was scheduled to take place in Salalah on September 14, citing the need to strengthen regional consensus.
Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi announced the postponement on social media, saying the decision had been taken “in the interests of consensus.” He reaffirmed Oman’s commitment to promoting dialogue aimed at strengthening stability and long-term cooperation across the region.
Iran Had Confirmed Participation
The meeting was expected to bring together foreign ministers from the Gulf states and Iran to discuss regional developments and avenues for de-escalation.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed on September 11 that Tehran would participate in the meeting. He said the discussions were expected to cover broader regional issues as well as the outcome of recent Iranian-Omani consultations concerning the establishment of safe routes for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Strait of Hormuz at Centre of Regional Concerns
The proposed discussions come amid continuing tensions surrounding the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, where commercial navigation has been severely disrupted during the ongoing US-Iran confrontation that began on February 28.
The waterway is a crucial international energy corridor, and any prolonged disruption to shipping through the strait has raised concerns over regional stability, global energy supplies and international trade.
Oman, which has traditionally played a mediating role in regional disputes, is seeking to facilitate dialogue and promote arrangements that could help restore safe commercial navigation while encouraging broader diplomatic engagement between the countries of the region.
BY: The Times Union
