Oman, Iran agree to continue talks on Hormuz Strait navigation
Muscat, July 12 (IANS) Oman and Iran have agreed to continue technical and political talks on navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, Oman News Agency reported.
The two sides held talks in Muscat on ensuring the safety and freedom of navigation through the strait in light of recent developments, the report said.
They agreed to continue discussions at both the technical and political levels aimed at reaching necessary understandings in accordance with international law, reports Xinhua quoting Oman News Agency .
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Friday Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi would visit Oman on Saturday for consultations on the Strait of Hormuz.
The talks came amid heightened tensions following a recent exchange of attacks between the United States and Iran, triggered by alleged Iranian strikes on commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
Following US-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February, Tehran tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which about one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil trade passes, barring safe passage of Israeli- and US-linked vessels.
Iran and Oman agreed in June to continue discussions through a joint working group between their foreign ministries to reach an understanding on the future management of navigation and related maritime services in the strait.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington had agreed to continue talks with Iran, even as he declared that the ceasefire between the two countries was over after a sharp escalation in military strikes.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran has asked us to continue ‘talks.’ We have agreed to do so, but the United States has stated to them, in no uncertain terms, that the Cease Fire is OVER!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
The statement suggested that diplomatic contacts would continue despite the collapse of the ceasefire framework negotiated last month.
–IANS
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