The Meeting planned on Monday between Iran and the Gulf countries to discuss arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, has been postponed. Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi announced the development late Sunday evening. He said the regional meeting scheduled for Monday in Salalah has been postponed ‘in the interest of consensus’, while stressing Oman’s continued commitment to dialogue, regional stability and long-term cooperation.
Iranian state-affiliated media reported that the meeting was postponed at the request of some regional countries and that the decision was made jointly by Iran and Oman. Iran had earlier said that it had reached an understanding with Oman on a new maritime route through the strait.
The postponement of the Iran-Gulf meeting is a setback for diplomacy at a time when pressure on both major regional shipping routes – through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, is increasing. Global Oil prices recorded another jump on Monday, with Brent Crude futures trading over 107 USD a barrel and WTI at over 102 USD.
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