US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi about Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and regional de-escalation. The call comes amid heightened tensions and Oman's efforts to mediate a shipping arrangement with Iran.
The discussions highlight ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies and trade. Any disruption to shipping in the region directly impacts oil prices and the stability of international commerce, necessitating diplomatic efforts to de-escalate and ensure safe passage.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi on Tuesday to discuss Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and regional de-escalation efforts. The State Department readout stated that Rubio acknowledged Oman's role in promoting stability and condemned recent Iranian actions against commercial ships and regional nations.
Rubio also reaffirmed the United States' commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and ensuring freedom of navigation through the vital waterway. Oman has been actively involved in mediating between the US and Iran, particularly concerning arrangements for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global trade route.
Earlier, Oman had postponed a planned meeting in Salalah between Iran and Gulf Arab states, intended to discuss navigation through the strait. The postponement was attributed to a need for more time to secure regional consensus. The Omani Foreign Minister stated that maintaining coordination between Oman and the US is crucial for entrenching regional and global security and stability.
Separately, Oman reported that it was searching for two missing crew members from the oil tanker ELGAIA, which was targeted in the Strait of Hormuz. The tanker, flying a Panama flag, suffered a fire in its engine room following an attack northeast of Musandam. The Royal Navy of Oman evacuated 23 crew members, while a search for the two missing individuals continues. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations indicated the vessel was struck by an unknown projectile on Saturday.
The diplomatic engagement between the US and Oman marks a shift, occurring less than a month after President Donald Trump had threatened to bomb Oman due to its negotiations with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.