MUSCAT — Following three days of intensive diplomatic engagement, representatives from fourteen nations and the Strait of Hormuz Coordination Authority issued a joint statement confirming that talks had occurred and that both parties remain committed to the concept of continued dialogue.
The negotiations, convened under the auspices of the Oman-led Maritime Stability Initiative, focused on establishing an alternative shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz. Current estimates suggest that approximately 21 percent of global petroleum transit depends on the waterway, a figure that all parties acknowledge is significant without further elaborating on why this matters.
Iranian delegation head Kaveh Afzali stated during the closing session that while his government welcomed the spirit of cooperation, “any agreement that would actually permit vessels to transit the Strait would be premature and contrary to the interests of regional stability.” When pressed on whether Iran would support a routing mechanism that avoided the Strait entirely, Mr. Afzali noted that such arrangements would require additional study periods.
Omani mediators described the discussions as “productive” and indicated that a preliminary framework document would be circulated by Q4 2026. The document is expected to contain language affirming the importance of shipping, the necessity of international cooperation, and a commitment to schedule follow-up meetings at a date to be determined.
Shipping indices remained unchanged throughout the negotiation period.