Iran's Foreign Minister Holds Talks in Oman

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Oman on Saturday to discuss measures to ensure the safe passage of ships through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Washington is seeking a public commitment to free and safe transit.

Oman has long served as a mediator in ending the conflict in the Persian Gulf, which has been destabilizing the market and driving up global oil prices since 28 February, when the US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran.

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that both sides had agreed to continue negotiations despite the end of the previous ceasefire. According to CBS News and the BBC, Vice President JD Vance or Secretary of State Marco Rubio are expected to hold talks with Araghchi. However, the Iranian news agency Fars has denied the possibility of talks for now, unless the US withdraws from its current positions.

Araghchi accused Washington of violating agreements after the US revoked a license for the sale of Iranian oil on Tuesday. This was in response to attacks on Qatari and Saudi Arabian tankers.

Although Tehran denies responsibility and attributed the incidents to "errant part of their system", analysts say this is an attempt to gain leverage in the negotiations. This new flare-up of the conflict threatens the stability of the interim agreement and is driving up oil prices ahead of the November congressional elections.

(Reuters, Max)