Iran's Foreign Minister Heads to Muscat for Consultations on the Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi traveled to Muscat on Saturday, July 11, 2026 (20 Tir 1405) for talks with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi on shipping safety in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Xinhua and Arab News, the visit continues technical consultations held between Tehran and Muscat over the past one to two months on managing transit through the strait. Under a memorandum of understanding Iran earlier signed with the United States, Iran and Oman are required to cooperate and consult on maritime issues concerning the strait. US officials have said they expect Iran to publicly confirm after the meeting that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to shipping. The strait carries the bulk of Persian Gulf oil and gas exports, and any tension there directly affects global oil prices, gold, and Iran's currency market.