Iran: Meeting on Shipping Routes in the Strait of Hormuz Postponed at Saudi Arabia's Request

[Global Times Comprehensive Report] According to a report by Reuters on the 14th, a meeting originally scheduled to be held that day between Iran and the Gulf Arab states has been postponed. At the same time, attacks have occurred in succession near important energy transport routes in the Middle East, such as the Strait of Hormuz, further increasing uncertainty in global energy supply.

The Oman News Agency reported on the 13th that Oman stated it would postpone the meeting originally set to take place in the southern city of Salalah to create conditions for constructive dialogue. Oman's Foreign Minister Badr stated on social media that Oman will continue to promote dialogue to foster regional stability and lasting cooperation.

According to a report by Iran's Tasnim News Agency on the 14th, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Baghaei said that the regional meeting to discuss the shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz, originally scheduled for that day in Oman, was postponed at Saudi Arabia's request. Baghaei stated that Saudi Arabia requested the postponement of the meeting citing changes in the situation in Yemen, "intending to divert attention from the root issues of this crisis." Baghaei also mentioned that after several weeks of intensive negotiations, Iran and Oman have reached a memorandum of understanding to establish safe navigation routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Reports indicate that a Gulf official stated that Saudi Arabia has proposed amendments to the plan drafted by Iran and Oman.

In recent weeks, Iran and Oman have been consulting on the management issues of the Strait of Hormuz. Since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, expanding regional conflicts, shipping in this vital waterway has been severely affected. Iranian state media reported that an Iranian cargo ship was attacked near Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz on the 13th, resulting in one death and four injuries. Hours before the attack, Iranian President Pezeshkian stated that Iran would not yield.

Meanwhile, the shutdown of Saudi Arabia's east-west oil pipeline has further exacerbated market concerns. This pipeline, approximately 1,200 kilometers long, is an important route for transporting Middle Eastern oil bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The pipeline was closed following a recent drone attack, and relevant parties have not specified when it will resume operations. The Houthi forces in Yemen announced on the 14th that over the past five days, Saudi Arabia has launched more than 300 airstrikes using F-15 and Typhoon fighter jets. In response, the organization carried out large-scale ballistic missile and drone attacks on the King Khalid Air Base in Khamis Mushait, claiming to have "directly hit" the target. The Saudi side has not yet responded to this. (Zhou Yang)