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Iran Hails Muscat Meeting as Key Step Toward Persian Gulf Stability — Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei

Editorial Team

Monday talks in Oman to address regional security and safe shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said on Saturday that a meeting scheduled for Monday in Muscat, Oman, will be a key step toward ensuring stability and security in the Persian Gulf region. The talks will bring together Iran and Persian Gulf states, with discussions expected to cover regional security and the outcome of recent Iran-Oman negotiations on commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

The meeting carries significant weight because it follows months of regional tension during which Iran's military operations appeared to target US bases located in Gulf countries. Tehran has sought to reassure its neighbours that it is not at war with them and that it respects their national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Key Elements of the Planned Talks

Baghaei stressed that the decision to hold the meeting between Iran and the Persian Gulf states was not a recent development but the result of an ongoing process. He noted that major developments have taken place over the previous six months, shaping the conditions for Monday's talks.

The Muscat meeting is also expected to address the outcome of recent Iran-Oman discussions on establishing safe routes for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran and Oman have been engaged in negotiations for nearly three months over arrangements for safe navigation through the strategic waterway.

Background of Iran-Oman Cooperation

On August 25, Iran and Oman announced discussions on a phased framework that would initially establish a temporary joint maritime corridor, alongside a joint mine-clearance project. These measures are aimed at improving safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important oil shipping routes.

Baghaei also addressed the broader context of recent conflict, stating that during the course of the war the Islamic Republic did not target regional countries. He said Iran struck US bases because they were the source of attacks against the country, framing those operations as defensive actions.

Official Statements on Iran's Position

"The meeting that is scheduled to be held on Monday in the Sultanate of Oman will be a key step toward ensuring stability and security in the Persian Gulf region," Baghaei told Al Mayadeen on Saturday.

He added that although Iran's military operations appeared to target US military bases located in Gulf countries, Tehran has repeatedly emphasized that it was not at war with them. "Our attacks were in fact defensive actions against the source and origin of the attacks against Iran," Baghaei said.

What Comes Next

The meeting is scheduled to take place on Monday in Muscat. Further details on the specific agenda items and any agreements that may emerge from the talks have not yet been officially confirmed, and additional information is awaited following the conclusion of the discussions.