Oman and Iran begin joint management of the Strait of Hormuz
On Monday in Muscat, the first meeting of the Oman Iran Joint Committee on the Strait of Hormuz was held, with an exchange of views on the future management of this strategically vital waterway and related maritime issues, Oman's Foreign Ministry said. When two neighbouring states sit down at the same table to discuss the management of a waterway through which one fifth of the world's oil passes, it is not just diplomatic protocol. It is an acknowledgement that security and stability in the region require joint efforts. Iran and Oman, sharing the shores of the Strait of Hormuz, are embarking on a new phase of cooperation — not in words, but through the framework of their first joint committee.
The ministry said the Omani delegation was headed by Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah bin Zaher Al Hinai, Ambassador at Large at the Foreign Ministry, while the Iranian delegation was led by Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs. The sides discussed ways to strengthen coordination on issues related to the Strait of Hormuz, in line with the mutual interests and sovereignty of both countries, while reaffirming their commitment to international law. They also explored frameworks for cooperation in shipping and maritime services, building on their status as the two coastal states bordering the strait and on existing bilateral and international arrangements.
On the same day, Oman reiterated its opposition to the imposition of transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview, Oman's Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad bin Hamood Al Busaidi said Oman does not support imposing fees on vessels transiting the strait, but leaves open the possibility of discussing maritime service mechanisms. Oman is ready to discuss cooperation mechanisms for navigation safety, maritime accident response and marine pollution prevention, drawing lessons from other major shipping corridors. Any such arrangements, he stressed, would be developed in consultation with countries and shipping companies that depend on this waterway, with the aim of modernising maritime services and ensuring safe passage, rather than imposing new costs on global trade.
Oman and Iran, as the two coastal states bordering the Strait of Hormuz, have a direct stake in its stability. The strait is one of the world's busiest sea lanes, through which about 20% of global oil supplies pass. The creation of the Joint Committee is the first institutional step towards joint management following the signing of the memorandum between Iran and the US. Oman, which has traditionally acted as a mediator in regional conflicts, is taking on the role of maritime security coordinator. The rejection of transit fees and the focus on modernising maritime services show that the parties are seeking not profit, but a sustainable solution.
As reported by CCTV+, the committee's next meeting is scheduled for the coming months, and its decisions could form the basis for long term management of the strait.
