Gulf foreign ministers are expected to meet with Iran’s foreign minister next week as part of an Omani-led effort to secure a temporary agreement for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a Financial Times report, the meeting is scheduled for Monday in Salalah, Oman, and several Gulf states have already agreed to take part.
Oman Pushes for Strait of Hormuz Agreement
The talks are being organized by Oman, which has played a central role in efforts to restore shipping through one of the world’s most important oil routes.
The goal is to gain regional support for a temporary framework that would allow commercial vessels to move more freely through Hormuz.
Shipping activity through the strait has been heavily disrupted, creating fresh concerns over global energy supplies.
Iran and Gulf States Seek Regional Support
Several Gulf countries are expected to participate in the meeting, according to the report.
The discussions are designed to build broader support for an arrangement that could reduce risks for commercial shipping and ease pressure on oil markets.
Any successful agreement could be significant because the Strait of Hormuz handled roughly 20% of global oil supplies before the conflict.
Bab el-Mandeb Adds Another Supply Risk
Concerns are not limited to Hormuz.
Tensions between Yemen’s Houthi movement and Saudi Arabia have also raised fears over shipping through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
This route is another critical passage for energy and commercial trade between the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
If disruptions intensify in both Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb, global oil markets could face even greater supply risks.
Iran and Oman Had Already Discussed Shipping Deal
Iran and Oman previously indicated in August that they were close to an agreement that could help reopen commercial shipping through Hormuz.
However, any final arrangement may depend heavily on the position of the United States.
Washington has maintained a naval blockade against Iran and has previously opposed agreements that exclude direct U.S. involvement.
U.S. Approval Could Be Crucial
The United States has reportedly warned Gulf countries against negotiating independently with Tehran.
Washington has also resisted earlier proposals between Iran and Oman that did not include U.S. participation.
As a result, even if Iran and Gulf states reach a regional understanding, implementation could remain difficult without broader diplomatic approval.
U.S.-Iran Conflict Remains Highly Tense
The latest diplomatic effort comes during another period of intense military activity.
The United States and Iran carried out some of their most serious attacks on shipping this week since the conflict began in late February.
The fighting has shown limited signs of de-escalation, keeping geopolitical risks elevated across the region.
Oil Prices Rise on Supply Fears
Oil prices climbed sharply during the week as traders reacted to the possibility of further shipping disruptions.
Flows through the Strait of Hormuz remain well below prewar levels, increasing concerns about the availability of global crude supplies.
Before the conflict, the shipping route accounted for around one-fifth of global oil flows.
That makes any development involving Hormuz highly important for energy markets.
Hormuz Talks Could Influence Global Oil Markets
The upcoming meeting in Oman could become an important diplomatic test.
A successful agreement may help stabilize commercial shipping and reduce some of the geopolitical risk premium built into oil prices.
However, the outcome will depend on whether Iran, Gulf states and the United States can find common ground.
For now, traders are likely to keep a close eye on the Strait of Hormuz talks, as any breakthrough or escalation could have a major impact on global energy markets.
