WEB DESK: Iran and Oman have held the inaugural meeting of a joint committee on the Strait of Hormuz in Muscat, marking an early step towards implementing provisions of a recent interim agreement between Tehran and Washington.

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, announced the development on Monday through a post on X, saying the two sides held constructive discussions on the sovereign rights of Gulf coastal states and the long-term administration of the strategically important waterway.

The meeting follows the signing of a 14-point interim memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States in mid-June, aimed at ending recent hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and easing selected sanctions while broader negotiations continue.

Under the agreement, Iran and Oman are tasked with holding consultations on the future maritime administration and services in the strait, in coordination with other littoral states and in accordance with international law.

The newly established joint committee is expected to examine shipping procedures, navigation safety and related maritime services, building on longstanding cooperation between the two neighbouring countries, which share oversight responsibilities for the narrow waterway through which a significant share of global oil exports passes.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes. Its temporary closure during the recent regional conflict disrupted global energy markets and highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to ensure safe and uninterrupted commercial navigation.

Both Iran and Oman reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining freedom of navigation while respecting the sovereign rights of coastal states. A joint statement outlining the outcomes of the Muscat meeting is expected to be issued after further consultations.