Oman Plans Rare Gulf-Iran Meeting on Hormuz Strait

Oman is planning a rare meeting for Monday in Salalah between foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council and Iranian officials to discuss the future of the Strait of Hormuz, according to people familiar with the matter. The gathering, which would be the first high-level Gulf-Iran talks since the U.S.-Iran war began in late February, remains unconfirmed, with escalating hostilities between Saudi-backed forces and the Iran-supported Houthis in Yemen complicating preparations. Iran's Foreign Ministry stated the meeting is intended to promote better understanding and strengthen regional security, with Iraq and other littoral Gulf states also participating. However, it is unclear if all six GCC members, which include Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, will attend. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for global oil and gas supplies, has been effectively closed since the U.S. and Israel began bombing Iran in late February. Iran has insisted on retaining control over the waterway and has been in talks with Oman for weeks about a framework to manage maritime traffic, which would likely involve the payment of fees. The U.S.