The key facts

  • The foreign ministers of Iran and Oman discussed the regional situation and diplomacy by phone
  • The call took place amid the US blockade and tensions over the Strait of Hormuz
  • Qatar continues mediating between Washington and Tehran

Phone talks amid the blockade

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Omani counterpart Badr al-Busaidi held a phone conversation on Thursday morning, discussing regional developments and diplomatic efforts to advance peace and stability, the Iranian government reported (Anadolu). The call took place against the backdrop of escalating tensions caused by the US naval blockade and questions over shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz, which lies between Iran and Oman and is one of the world's most strategically important waterways, through which Persian Gulf countries export large volumes of oil and gas to international markets. Qatar continues to mediate between Washington and Tehran.

Context: a memorandum that never took effect

According to Anadolu, on Monday Iran stated that it continues exchanging messages with the US through intermediaries and that reopening the strait depends on Washington lifting the blockade. Background to the conflict: the US and Israel began attacks against Iran on February 28; Tehran responded with strikes on Israel and American facilities in the region, and a ceasefire was reached in April. On June 18, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, but its implementation stalled due to disagreements over security issues. Thus, the ministers' conversation took place in a situation where the existing document on navigation formally exists but is not being implemented, while Iran ties specific conditions for unblocking the strait to US actions.