Key facts
- An Omani delegation is in Tehran to discuss managing ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iran's IRGC naval forces stopped four vessels in the strait within the past 24 hours.
- The IRGC has declared the southern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz an "unsafe passage."
- Previous talks between Oman and Iran focused on ensuring safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait.
- Iran has warned of a "forceful response" to vessels navigating "unsafe routes."
An Omani delegation has arrived in Tehran for discussions with Iran on managing maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. This visit follows earlier talks in Muscat aimed at ensuring safety and freedom of navigation in the crucial waterway. Both nations agreed to continue dialogue at technical and political levels. The discussions occur amidst heightened tensions, as Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces reported stopping four vessels in the last 24 hours, declaring the strait's southern corridor an "unsafe passage." The IRGC warned of a "forceful response" to any ships navigating these routes. These events unfold as Iran has threatened to withdraw from a deal with the US if violations persist, while the US demands Iran cease attacks on ships and ensure open passage. The context also includes recent US strikes on Iran resulting in casualties and threats of vengeance from Iran's Supreme Leader.