IRIA News

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Iran and Oman held the first meeting of the Joint Hormuz Committee in Muscat on June 29, 2026, marking a new step in discussions over the future management of the Strait of Hormuz as uncertainty continues over possible renewed negotiations between Tehran and Washington.

The committee meeting came after conflicting statements from Iran and the United States over reports that fresh talks between the two countries were scheduled to take place in Doha on Tuesday. While Iranian officials denied that such a meeting had been finalized, U.S. President Donald Trump insisted that the talks would go ahead.

The latest developments come just weeks after the United States and Iran signed a framework agreement intended to pave the way for a broader settlement following months of conflict that disrupted one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

Disagreement Over Planned Talks

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed reports that technical negotiations with the United States had been confirmed.

He said Iran’s consultations with Qatar continue through normal diplomatic channels but stressed that media reports claiming technical talks would be held in Doha were “not confirmed.”

According to Gharibabadi, the first round of technical discussions will only take place after all necessary conditions have been met and once every participating side agrees on the date and location. He added that consultations on the issue remain ongoing through intermediary countries.

Hours later, President Donald Trump contradicted Tehran’s statement. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said that Iran had requested a meeting and declared that it would take place in Doha on Tuesday.

The differing statements highlighted the continued uncertainty surrounding diplomatic efforts despite the framework agreement reached earlier this month.

First Joint Hormuz Committee Meeting

While diplomatic discussions continued, Iran announced that the first meeting of the Joint Hormuz Committee was held in Muscat during Gharibabadi’s visit to Oman.

The committee was established following the framework agreement between Tehran and Washington to address issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. Posting on X, Gharibabadi said officials reviewed current challenges affecting the strait and exchanged views on its future management.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. Before the recent conflict, nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed through the narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters.

The waterway lies within both Iranian and Omani territorial waters. However, under international law, commercial vessels generally have the right of transit passage, preventing either country from blocking normal navigation.

Framework Agreement Under Pressure

The committee meeting comes as the U.S.-Iran framework agreement faces growing pressure following a series of military exchanges.

The agreement, signed on June 17 by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, was designed to create a 60-day negotiating period aimed at reaching a comprehensive settlement.

The proposed agreement covers Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and the long-term status of the Strait of Hormuz. However, both countries have offered different interpretations of the framework, with disagreements emerging over several key provisions.

One of the biggest unresolved issues remains Iran’s continued control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran effectively closed the waterway on February 28 following the start of U.S. and Israeli airstrikes against Iran. The closure sharply increased global energy prices and disrupted international supply chains for more than four months.

Although negotiations continue, the future of the shipping route remains one of the most difficult issues facing both sides.

Shipping Tensions Continue

Iran warned over the weekend that any attempt by commercial vessels to use alternative shipping routes outside the corridor preferred by Tehran would increase regional tensions.

Despite the warning, dozens of ships have recently navigated closer to the Omani coast instead of following the route near Iranian waters.

On Saturday, the U.S. Navy’s Joint Maritime Information Center announced an expanded shipping corridor along the Omani coastline, directly challenging Iran’s claim over navigation through the area.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized the move, warning that introducing separate arrangements would complicate efforts to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

He said any attempt to replace the current arrangements managed by Iran would create further delays and increase tensions across the Middle East.

Iran has maintained that future administration of the strait will be discussed with Oman and other Gulf states while remaining consistent with international law.

Military Exchanges Raise Concerns

Tensions increased further after a series of military exchanges involving both countries. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces struck 10 Iranian military targets early Sunday in response to what it described as continued Iranian attacks against commercial shipping.

The strikes followed an Iranian drone attack on the Panama-flagged crude oil tanker M/T Kiku, which was sailing toward Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.

Iran responded by launching strikes against U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait, including the headquarters of the U.S. Fifth Fleet at Salman Port in Bahrain and Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait.

Both Bahrain and Kuwait condemned the Iranian attacks. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later said it was increasing enforcement measures in the Strait of Hormuz and warned that vessels violating its navigation rules would face stronger action.

Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, said on X that as long as Iran remained responsible for managing the strait, the United States would not achieve what he described as its “hegemonic dreams” in the region.

Trump Warns Against Future Attacks

U.S. President Trump also issued another warning to Tehran following the latest military exchanges. Writing on Truth Social, he said the United States would respond with overwhelming force if Iran resumed attacks on commercial shipping.

Trump warned that Iran would “no longer exist” if the United States were forced to restart military operations. His comments came shortly after U.S. forces carried out strikes on Iranian military positions following the attack on the M/T Kiku tanker.

Despite continued diplomatic contacts through regional intermediaries and the launch of the Joint Hormuz Committee, major disagreements remain over navigation rights, security arrangements, and the implementation of the framework agreement.

With both sides sending conflicting messages about future negotiations, uncertainty continues over whether new talks will take place and whether diplomacy can prevent another escalation in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.