Oman and Iran Negotiate Joint Administration of the Strait of Hormuz

The backdrop to the negotiations is an Iranian attack on a ship in Omani territorial waters, which a few days ago triggered the latest exchange of blows in the Strait of Hormuz. Over the weekend, however, the USA and Iran again struck each other militarily. Bohl recalls that «Omani foreign policy in the 20th century was always guided by the principle that Iran is a geopolitical force of nature that one should engage rather than confront.»

The Iran war that began on 28 February also plays a role. Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi described the Iranian attacks on the Gulf as «unavoidable» in the «Economist.» Oman has always maintained close relations with Iran, while regarding itself as neutral. Oman also mediated between the USA and Iran before the war broke out on 28 February.

Mediation Between the Parties to the Conflict

In parallel with the talks in Muscat, Oman continues to seek an international compromise. According to reports, «Oman has in recent weeks worked together with the International Maritime Organization of the UN to find a compromise that satisfies Iran and that the international community can accept.» Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani also visited Oman last week to consult with the Sultan on the Strait of Hormuz.

In Doha, meanwhile, US special envoys Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner are holding indirect talks with Iranian representatives. Tehran's representatives were originally scheduled to meet in Qatar on Tuesday with the American special envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who had traveled to Doha. An Iranian delegation is also in Doha, but the Iranians are speaking only with the Qatari mediators.

Indirect Talks in Doha

According to diplomatic circles, the USA and Iran want to hold indirect talks in Qatar today. Separate consultations with Qatari and Pakistani mediators are planned. The US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are accordingly not participating in the «technical talks.» Yesterday, according to Qatari sources, the two met with Qatar's head of government Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani.

In substance, the Doha agenda goes beyond the strait. The talks of the US envoys in Doha concern negotiations with Iran as well as the situation in Lebanon, al-Ansari said. Kushner and Witkoff are also exchanging views with the Qataris on the fragile ceasefire in the Persian Gulf. During their negotiations in Switzerland, the USA and Iran had agreed on a roadmap for a peace agreement in the region.

Within 60 days, a detailed and lasting agreement to end the Iran war started by the USA and Israel is to be negotiated. The deadline is ticking down while tensions in the region remain high. The United Arab Emirates view the situation with skepticism: «The United Arab Emirates have almost given up hope that an agreement with Iran can be reached,» says Najla al-Kassimi, who in the past represented the UAE in several European countries.

Economic Risks and Pressure from Washington

According to Kassimi, the Emirates are of the view that fees for the administration of the Strait of Hormuz may be set only in accordance with international law. Should Iran nonetheless push through its toll plans, Oman faces economic damage: shipping companies would in the long term shift to other export routes, for instance via the Red Sea. That would be detrimental to Oman's own ambitions to become a trade hub between the Arabian Peninsula and South Asia.

At the same time, Washington is increasing pressure on Muscat. At the end of May, Donald Trump announced he would «blow up» Oman if the Sultanate did not «behave well.» The threat was issued by the American president against the backdrop of closer coordination between Muscat and Tehran. «However, sanctions or other coercive measures by this American government against Oman cannot be ruled out,» says Yasmine Farouk, project director for the Gulf states at the International Crisis Group.