Oman, Iran call for lasting maritime security arrangements to end regional war

MUSCAT, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Oman and Iran on Thursday stressed the importance of consolidating sustainable understandings to ensure maritime security, end the state of war and prevent renewed confrontations in the region.

During a phone call, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi and his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, reviewed the latest contacts and talks aimed at reaching understandings to resume navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without hindrance, according to a report by the Oman News Agency.

The two ministers said such understandings should be grounded in practical arrangements to ensure the safety of maritime corridors and joint technical mechanisms to secure the unimpeded flow of international trade and energy, thereby bringing an end to the state of war and preventing renewed confrontations in the region.

They added that these understandings should respect national sovereignty and the legitimate interests of all parties while creating conditions for renewed dialogue and negotiations to address outstanding issues behind the escalation.

The Strait of Hormuz, which lies between Oman and Iran, is a vital waterway for global energy supplies. Since Israel and the United States launched joint attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities on Feb. 28, shipping through the strait has been largely disrupted.