Oman postpones Hormuz talks with Iran and Gulf states

Muscat announced on Thursday that the planned Hormuz dialogue involving Iran and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states has been postponed, citing the need to achieve a broader consensus before resuming negotiations. The Omani foreign ministry said the decision was taken “in the interests of consensus” after consultations with the participating parties, and that the postponement does not reflect any deterioration in the underlying diplomatic efforts.

The Hormuz talks, first proposed in early 2024, aim to address maritime security, trade flows and confidence‑building measures in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global oil shipments passes. Oman, which has traditionally acted as a neutral intermediary between Tehran and its Gulf neighbors, indicated that it will continue informal contacts with all sides while seeking a mutually acceptable framework that can accommodate the differing security concerns of Iran and the GCC members. The ministry added that a new schedule will be announced once the required consensus is reached, underscoring the continued commitment of the region’s actors to maintain stability in the waterway.