Muscat (Web Desk): Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani paid an official visit to Muscat on Wednesday for consultations with Omani leaders on launching a new regional dialogue involving Iran, Iraq, and Gulf Arab countries regarding the future management of the Strait of Hormuz, according to a diplomat familiar with the discussions.
The proposed negotiations are separate from the ongoing US-Iran peace process and existing de-mining arrangements in the strategically important waterway.
The talks are expected to focus on navigation, maritime services, security coordination, and long-term management of one of the world's most critical shipping routes.
سلطنة عُمان وبالتنسيق مع المنظمة البحرية الدولية تتيح ممر عبور للسفن في مضيق هرمز
— وزارة النقل والاتصالات وتقنية المعلومات (@mtcitoman) June 23, 2026
انطلاقًا من مسؤولية سلطنة عُمان تجاه مضيق هرمز وأهميته للاقتصاد العالمي، ووفقًا لالتزامها الثابت بالقانون الدولي وقانون البحار بما يضمن حرية الملاحة في المضيق دون فرض رسوم عبور، وبما يتماشى مع… pic.twitter.com/ooVvYDgCcz
According to the diplomat, Gulf Arab states are likely to advocate for maintaining free passage through the strait without imposing transit charges. Iran, meanwhile, may propose a framework that includes environmental, navigational, and security-related service fees as part of future maritime management arrangements.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important energy corridors, handling nearly one-fifth of global oil exports and a substantial share of liquefied natural gas shipments.
Commercial traffic through the waterway has faced significant disruption since the outbreak of conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran on February 28, leading to concerns over global energy supplies and market stability.
The initiative appears to be linked to provisions contained in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed last week, which called for consultations between Iran, Oman, Iraq, and Gulf states on the future administration of navigation and maritime services in the strategically vital strait.
The diplomat further revealed that Pakistan has been proposed as a mediator for the planned negotiations, reflecting Islamabad's growing diplomatic role in regional peace and security initiatives.
In a separate development, preparations are reportedly underway for broader regional reconciliation talks to be hosted in Riyadh.
The proposed gathering could bring together Iran, Gulf Arab nations, and other regional stakeholders to discuss security cooperation, confidence-building measures, and long-term stability across the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Oman announced a series of temporary maritime measures aimed at ensuring the safe movement of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
Omani authorities said two temporary shipping routes—one north and one south of the existing navigation channel—have been established in coordination with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Under a phased operational plan developed jointly by the IMO and Omani authorities, vessels will be grouped into designated transit schedules.
Ship operators will receive individual instructions regarding departure times and the routes they should follow to minimize risks and ensure orderly passage.
Oman emphasized that shipowners and vessel masters remain responsible for conducting their own security and risk assessments before entering the area.
Authorities also directed all vessels to keep their Automatic Identification System (AIS) active throughout transit and immediately report any navigational threats or security incidents to the Oman Maritime Security Centre.
In a move welcomed by the shipping industry, Oman confirmed that no transit tolls or passage fees would be imposed on vessels using the Strait of Hormuz.
The decision aligns with understandings reached during recent diplomatic engagements between the United States and Iran aimed at preserving freedom of navigation and reducing tensions in the region.
Iran and Oman formally began discussions on Tuesday regarding future arrangements for navigation services and maritime administration in the waterway, marking an important step toward establishing a more stable and cooperative framework for managing one of the world's most strategically significant maritime routes.