Oman and Iran hold talks in Muscat on Strait of Hormuz navigation

MUSCAT, Oman — Oman and Iran completed a round of technical and political talks in Muscat on the safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Oman's state news agency reported. Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al-Busaidi led the Omani delegation, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi headed the Iranian side. The two sides agreed to continue technical and political negotiations to reach the necessary understanding within the framework of international law, according to the Omani agency. Araghchi said the discussions covered appropriate mechanisms to ensure the safe passage of ships through the strait and arrangements to guarantee navigation security amid recent regional tensions. A source told CNN that Oman presented a proposal to manage ship traffic through the strait via two separate corridors. The source said the two-corridor navigation proposal has not yet been finalized. The Strait of Hormuz is considered one of the world's most critical maritime routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas exports.