Gulf littoral states to meet in Oman Monday on regional issues, Iran says

Iran's Foreign Ministry announced on Friday that foreign ministers of Gulf littoral states are set to convene in Oman on Monday to exchange views on regional issues, including ongoing talks between Tehran and Muscat on designating safe routes in the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei told reporters that the meeting will bring together Iran, Iraq and other Gulf littoral states. He described the initiative as an important step toward building trust and cooperation among regional countries, as well as advancing peace and stability in the region, while cautioning against what he termed the destructive and divisive interference of transregional players.

Baghaei expressed hope that the gathering would lay the groundwork for better understanding among regional states and contribute to joint regional security.

On shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz, the spokesman said Iran remains committed to ensuring safe passage, but argued that this cannot be guaranteed while what he called aggressive actions and illegal interventions by the United States, including its naval blockade and economic war against Iran, continue.

In late August, Iran and Oman said in a joint statement that they had exchanged views on a proposed phased framework that includes establishing a temporary joint shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz.

Following U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, Tehran restricted passage through the strategic waterway, while U.S. forces imposed a naval blockade targeting vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports.