Iran-Gulf Hormuz Talks Postponed Amid Regional Tensions

A planned Iran-Gulf meeting in Oman on managing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz was postponed after Saudi Arabia and other regional countries raised objections, with Oman saying conditions were not yet suitable for constructive dialogue. Iran and Oman had developed a framework for safer shipping that could include voluntary payments or transit fees, but Gulf states remained divided over whether such arrangements would undermine free navigation; Bahrain refused to attend until diplomatic ties with Tehran are restored and opposed fees, permits or discrimination against vessels. The delay came as shipping traffic through the strait fell sharply, a commercial vessel was reportedly struck, Iran said it intercepted a U.S. drone, and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia prompted the temporary closure of the kingdom’s East-West oil pipeline. Iran denied involvement in Yemen, said it would coordinate with Oman to reschedule the talks, and maintained that reopening the strait depended on the United States restoring commitments under a prior memorandum. Iran and the UAE nevertheless held their highest-level meeting since the conflict began on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in New Delhi, as both sides sought to reduce tensions. The talks were not expected to produce a signed agreement and were expected to proceed without the United States, highlighting obstacles to restoring regular tanker traffic through the route, which carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil.