Tehran (TDI): Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate telephone conversations with his Saudi and Omani counterparts to discuss the security of the Strait of Hormuz, as regional and international efforts intensified to prevent further escalation in the Gulf.
According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the discussions focused on recent regional developments, strengthening bilateral cooperation, and advancing diplomatic efforts to promote stability in the region.
The call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan came after Saudi Arabia announced it had intercepted drones allegedly launched by Iran-backed groups in Iraq.
According to Reuters, Oman has presented Iran with a proposal to establish a joint regional mechanism for managing the Strait of Hormuz instead of allowing unilateral control.
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The proposal, which reportedly has the backing of Gulf states, is modeled on the Strait of Malacca, where users voluntarily contribute funds for navigation safety, environmental protection, and search-and-rescue operations.
The initiative comes after the United States suspended its air campaign against Iran, raising hopes that diplomacy could restore commercial shipping through the strategic waterway.
Meanwhile, Iranian government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani said recent US strikes damaged 12 bridges and two tunnels, while also causing widespread destruction to civilian property, including fishing boats and tourism-related businesses. She added that the conflict reduced Iran’s natural gas production capacity by approximately 230 million cubic metres.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of preserving the US-Iran ceasefire and resuming negotiations to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz under international law.
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The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Egypt also condemned the latest drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, describing them as a threat to regional security and reaffirming support for the Kingdom.
Yemen’s foreign minister-designate Afrah al-Zouba warned that Houthi rebels were attempting to replicate Iran’s strategy in the Strait of Hormuz by imposing a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea. He said the Houthis were acting “in harmony” with Iran’s regional escalation.
