Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate phone calls with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi. According to Iranian state television on Tuesday, the main agenda item of the talks was restoring security and stability in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy transit routes.
The three ministers pointed to US aggressive actions as the source of the insecurity in the strategic waterway. They stressed the need to advance joint diplomatic efforts and strengthen cooperation to eliminate this insecurity and establish stability in the region.
Strait at the center of regional conflict
The Strait of Hormuz has been at the center of regional tensions since the war in the Middle East began on February 28. Military activities are disrupting commercial shipping along this route, through which a significant portion of global oil exports passes.
In recent weeks, the intensification of clashes between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen has pushed the conflict beyond the Gulf. This has raised concerns over new threats to key sea lanes and a wider regional escalation.
Despite the rising tensions, the relative lull observed in the fighting over the past few days has opened a window of opportunity for diplomatic initiatives. Regional countries are intensifying contacts to prevent further escalation and restore stability in the strategic waterways.
Cautious diplomatic signal from the US
As Gulf countries step up their regional stability efforts, Washington and Tehran are also cautiously signaling de-escalation after months of military clashes. The two sides are maintaining indirect contacts amid a fragile ceasefire environment.
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he believes the chances of reaching a deal with Iran through diplomacy are 'high'. However, Trump also warned that the US is ready to continue military operations if negotiations fail.
Trump's remarks came after three consecutive days without direct clashes following roughly two weeks of new US strikes on Iran. This has revived hopes for diplomacy in the region, despite Tehran's insistence that no direct negotiations are taking place.
