Iran.. The meeting with the Gulf states in Oman aims to enhance security cooperation

 

An upcoming meeting between Iran and the Gulf states, to be held on Monday in Oman to discuss the Strait of Hormuz issue, aims to strengthen security cooperation in the Middle East, according to what Iranian official media reported.

The talks will take place in the Omani coastal city of Salalah in light of escalating tensions between Iran and the United States over the strait, which is extremely important for global oil and gas trade.

Bahrain announced on Saturday that it would not participate in the meeting, due to being exposed to Iranian attacks.

The Iranian IRNA news agency reported on Sunday that the meeting would be “the first step towards establishing a regional framework for security cooperation” in the Gulf.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said that the meeting will form a “fundamental foundation for ensuring stability and security,” according to a statement reported by the Iranian Students News Agency (ISNA).

Iran has been waging a war since February 28, when American and Israeli strikes led to the killing of its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Iran responded with attacks across the region and by closing the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil supplies previously passed.

Tehran is seeking to formalize its control over the strait, including imposing a “services allowance” on ships crossing it, and is engaged in negotiations with Oman. The strait is located in the territorial waters of both countries.

Crossing the Strait was available to all countries before the outbreak of war.