WANA (Jun 23) – The Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran held official high-level discussions in Muscat during the diplomatic visit of Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, and Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs.

 

During the visit, the Iranian delegation held meetings and consultations with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, as well as with Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman.

 

The Sultanate of Oman reaffirmed its support for the “Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding” signed between the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasizing the importance of ongoing dialogue and coordination to ensure the successful implementation of the agreement.

 

Sovereignty and Maritime Governance in the Strait of Hormuz

As the two coastal states bordering the Strait of Hormuz, the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Sultanate of Oman reiterated their shared commitment to guaranteeing safe passage through the waterway in accordance with relevant international maritime laws.

 

Concurrently, both nations asserted their sovereignty and sovereign rights over their respective territorial waters within the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides also exchanged views on matters related to the waterway within the framework of the provisions outlined in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding.

 

The two countries agreed to continue their discussions on this matter by establishing a joint committee between their respective ministries of foreign affairs.

 

The primary objective of this committee will be to reach a mutual understanding regarding the future administration of shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, the provision of related maritime services, and the determination of fees associated with these services, in alignment with international standards.

 

To this end, both parties also agreed to hold consultations and dialogues with other coastal states in the region as well as other relevant international stakeholders.

 

Commitment to Open and Secure International Shipping

Both parties emphasized that all arrangements concerning the Strait of Hormuz must fully respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the two coastal nations.

 

In conclusion, the Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic Republic of Iran reaffirmed their enduring commitment to maintaining the Strait of Hormuz as a secure and open waterway for international shipping. The two sides underscored the vital importance of continued cooperation to enhance maritime safety, ensure the freedom of navigation, and promote overall regional stability.