Oman and Iran held talks to discuss the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

Why is this news worth attention?

As reported by U.S. CNN on April 5.

Ronald, Oman's Foreign Ministry stated that representatives from Oman and Iran held meetings to discuss "possible arrangements for allowing vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz."

This should be the most practically significant diplomatic move since the outbreak of the conflict.

The ministry added in a statement that during Saturday’s meeting, experts and deputy ministers from both countries' foreign ministries "presented several viewpoints and recommendations, which will undergo further study."

Iranian state media reported the meeting slightly differently, emphasizing "the special role of Iran and Oman as coastal states of the strait."

According to ship-tracking website MarineTraffic, early Sunday morning, multiple oil tankers—including one Chinese vessel and an oil tanker that had previously loaded cargo in Iraq—appeared to have passed through the Strait of Hormuz.

In retaliation for U.S. and Israeli attacks on its territory, Iran has effectively blocked the strait, cutting off approximately one-fifth of global oil supply from the world energy market.

According to Tasnim News Agency, a semi-official Iranian outlet, over 180 vessels have successfully passed through the strait since the conflict began.

Tasnim reported that nearly 70% of these passing vessels belonged to Iran or its allies, while China, India, Russia, and other countries have also arranged passage for some ships.

Iran says it is drafting an agreement with Oman to monitor maritime traffic through the strait, advocating that even during peacetime, vessel passage should occur under the "supervision and coordination" of coastal nations.

Recognizing Iran’s sovereignty over the strait is one of Tehran’s main demands to end the war.

Late this week, Iran’s parliamentary Security Committee approved a plan to impose tolls on ships passing through the strait and enforce "Iran’s sovereign role."

The specific content of the bilateral talks has not been disclosed, leaving room for much speculation.

After all, Tehran controls the northern side of this critical waterway, while Oman controls the southern side.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861677307408393/

Disclaimer: The article represents the personal views of the author.