Muscat: Representatives from Iran and Oman have come together for the inaugural meeting of the Joint Hormuz Committee, focusing on strategic discussions about the future of the Strait of Hormuz. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, announced the meeting's commencement following his visit to Oman.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Gharibabadi shared on X, formerly known as Twitter, that he met with Abdulaziz Al Hinai, Oman's Ambassador-at-Large, for this significant meeting. The discussions centered on reviewing the current issues concerning the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage, and exchanging views on its future management. These discussions were framed by Paragraph 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and emphasized the sovereign rights of the littoral states involved.

This meeting follows a prior statement issued on June 23 by Muscat and Tehran, which came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and negotiating head Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's visit. The statement highlighted the necessity for all arrangements concerning the Strait to fully respect the sovereignty and rights of both littoral nations.

The two nations have agreed to continue their dialogue through a joint committee formed by their foreign ministries. The committee's goal is to reach a consensus on the governance of shipping through the Strait, focusing on service provision and associated costs, ensuring alignment with international standards.