Following the ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, a meeting is being pursued between Iran and Gulf Arab nations that had been at odds during the war.
The initiative aims to discuss the issue of toll collection, which Iran is pushing for while asserting its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, while also fostering a reconciliatory atmosphere with Gulf nations that were divided by the conflict.
Reuters reported on June 24 (local time) that Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani visited Oman to discuss the initiation of negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz, involving Iran, Iraq, and Gulf Arab states.
A diplomatic source familiar with the talks stated that these discussions are separate from the peace talks and mine-clearing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
The source noted that Gulf nations are expected to strongly demand an exemption from the Strait of Hormuz tolls, which Iran announced it would impose after a 60-day follow-up negotiation period, while Iran is likely to propose fees under the pretext of environmental, navigational, and security costs.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supply passes, has experienced extreme turmoil since the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. This has led to disruptions in merchant shipping and volatility in global energy markets.
The proposed talks between Iran and the Gulf nations are believed to be for the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on ending the war.
The MOU reportedly specifies that Iran must hold talks with Oman, other Gulf nations, and Iraq regarding future transit through the strait and the management of maritime services.
The source explained that Pakistan has been proposed as a mediator for these talks.
Separately, the source added that there are plans to hold a "regional reconciliation meeting" in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, involving Iran, Gulf Arab nations, and other countries in the region.