Diplomatic efforts to secure shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz hit a setback this Monday following the postponement of a regional summit in Salalah between Iran and Gulf Arab nations.
Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi confirmed the delay late on Sunday, citing the need to build broader consensus and create appropriate conditions for constructive dialogue.
The proposed gathering was intended to review an agreement between Tehran and Muscat establishing a new governed maritime route through the strategic waterway. However, regional turnout remained uncertain after Bahrain explicitly rejected attending collective talks with Iran prior to the full restoration of bilateral diplomatic relations.
The diplomatic delay comes amid escalating security threats to global energy corridors. Tensions further intensified following reports of a vessel being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, alongside ongoing disruptions to Saudi Arabia’s main east-west bypass pipeline due to recent drone attacks.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reiterated that despite preliminary proposals drafted with Oman, Tehran will not reopen the strait until outstanding demands with the United States are resolved.
–Reuters/ChannelAfrica–
