According to Axios, citing a knowledgeable diplomat, Qatari officials are involved in ongoing talks between Iran and Oman in the capital, Muscat, to discuss the future of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
As per a regional source, the parties are considering issuing a joint statement on reopening the central island in the Strait of Hormuz, located within international waters, for full and free maritime navigation.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major point of contention between Washington and Tehran. After its closure during wartime, Iran maintained only one shipping lane along its coasts, despite the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea ensuring transit passage rights in international straits.
These discussions come amidst U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of Washington's approval to continue dialogue with Iran, while clarifying that the ceasefire has ended. However, Tehran denied that it requested to resume negotiations.
In related developments, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman, holding talks with Omani counterpart Badr Al-Busaidi, focusing on the Strait of Hormuz and regional issues.
The region is experiencing heightened tension following recent U.S. strikes within Iran, and subsequent Iranian attacks targeting sites and bases in several Gulf countries, while regional mediations persist in their efforts to de-escalate the situation and return parties to the diplomatic path.