Iran Sends Foreign Minister to Oman as Talks Focus on Strait of Hormuz Security

Iran's Foreign Minister arrived in Oman on Saturday for discussions aimed at securing safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, as diplomatic efforts continue to ease tensions following days of military escalation between Tehran and Washington.

According to Iranian state media, the visit centers on arrangements to guarantee the safe passage of commercial vessels through the strategic waterway. Oman, which has long served as a mediator between Iran and the United States, is facilitating the latest round of diplomatic contacts.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington and Tehran had agreed to continue talks despite recent hostilities, while declaring that last month's ceasefire agreement between the two sides had officially ended. No new attacks were reported on Friday or early Saturday, raising cautious hopes that negotiations could help prevent further escalation.

A senior Iranian source told Reuters that a phone call involving Iran, the United States, Qatar, and Pakistan was being arranged, with mediators seeking to hold the discussion during Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi's visit to Muscat.

The latest diplomatic push follows attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz last week, which triggered U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and retaliatory Iranian attacks on American military sites in the Gulf. Although Iran has denied responsibility for the shipping attacks, analysts say such incidents have increased pressure on ongoing negotiations.

U.S. officials said Iran had privately indicated that the latest maritime attacks were carried out by an unauthorized element within its own system, a message viewed as an attempt to reduce tensions. Washington is reportedly seeking a public Iranian commitment to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and ensure unrestricted freedom of navigation without transit fees.

The renewed uncertainty has pushed oil prices higher, reflecting concerns over global energy supplies as roughly one-fifth of the world's oil shipments normally pass through the strategic waterway.

Meanwhile, Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, issued a statement vowing to avenge the killing of his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose death has further intensified regional tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump responded by warning that any attempt to target him would be met with overwhelming military force.

Despite the rhetoric, officials from both sides described recent diplomatic contacts as constructive, with mediators continuing efforts to prevent the conflict from expanding further across the region.