Muscat: Oman and Iran on Friday engaged in discussions regarding developments affecting navigation through the Hormuz Strait. Both nations emphasized the necessity of reaching 'practical understandings' to facilitate the free flow of maritime traffic.

According to Anadolu Agency, the conversation between Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi and his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, took place amid ongoing disruptions in the strait's traffic and enduring tensions between Iran and the United States. The state-run Oman News Agency reported that the diplomats explored 'ways to create conditions conducive to resuming dialogue, aiming to narrow differences and reach peaceful solutions while considering the interests of all parties involved.'

The discussions also highlighted the significance of achieving 'practical understandings' to restore smooth navigation through this strategic waterway. Earlier in August, Tehran announced that it had reached an understanding with Muscat concerning the geographic coordinates of a proposed maritime corridor for commercial vessels transiting the strait.

At that time, Iran's foreign ministry indicated that both parties had agreed on the corridor's geographic criteria, though a joint statement detailing the main points of agreement awaited finalization. Despite these efforts, traffic through the Hormuz Strait continues to be significantly below prewar levels due to ongoing security risks and frequent attacks on commercial vessels in the region.

On Friday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that traffic through the strait was approximately 90 percent below prewar levels. In mid-August, the UKMTO noted that maritime traffic had reached 17 percent of its prewar average, a slight recovery from a low of 4 percent the previous week.

In June, a memorandum of understanding was signed between Washington and Tehran, advocating for a cessation of hostilities and the restoration of shipping through the strait. However, the agreement fell apart due to persistent disputes over the terms of implementation and the future of navigation through the waterway.

The conflict originated in late February with a surprise US-Israeli attack on Iran, prompting a response from Tehran targeting locations in Israel and US military bases across the region.