Iran FM in Oman as Hormuz Row Threatens Ceasefire

MUSCAT, July 11: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman on Saturday for talks focused on the Strait of Hormuz, as efforts continue to prevent a renewed confrontation between Iran and the United States following recent attacks on commercial shipping.

The discussions come after three commercial vessels were attacked along the Omani side of the strategic waterway. Washington blamed Iranian forces and responded with strikes on Iranian coastal and naval targets. At the same time, Tehran denied responsibility but warned that vessels using routes not coordinated with Iran could face risks.

Since the June ceasefire, many commercial ships have shifted to an Oman-backed southern shipping corridor rather than routes designated by Iran, a move that has reportedly angered Iranian hardliners, who view it as weakening Tehran's influence over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait, which separates Iran from Oman's Musandam Peninsula, remains one of the world's most important oil shipping routes, with internationally recognized transit rights protecting commercial navigation through the waterway.