Iran Reports Progress in Oman Talks on Hormuz Shipping Mechanisms

TEHRAN, July 26: Iran said Sunday that it has made progress in discussions with Oman on operational mechanisms aimed at ensuring the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, while emphasizing that maritime traffic through the strategic waterway remains unchanged.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said Iranian and Omani deputy foreign ministers held several rounds of talks in Tehran on Friday and Saturday, focusing on practical measures to safeguard commercial shipping.

According to Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, Baqaei said both sides exchanged views on common principles and operational mechanisms for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, describing the discussions as "productive" and noting progress.

The Omani delegation departed Tehran on Saturday evening, while technical and political consultations between the two countries are continuing, he added.

The Strait of Hormuz has remained a focal point of regional security tensions following the military conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. Washington has called on Tehran to end attacks on commercial shipping and guarantee freedom of navigation through the vital maritime corridor. At the same time, Iran has maintained that ship transits should operate under a mechanism administered along its coastline.

Meanwhile, Axios reported Saturday that U.S. President Donald Trump has instructed the U.S. military not to launch additional strikes against Iran, ending nearly two weeks of daily attacks, according to sources familiar with the decision.