MUSCAT, Jul 14: Oman on Tuesday said that it remains engaged with all parties in efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, amid growing tensions over control of the strategic waterway.
The statement comes as Muscat continues discussions with Iran regarding a possible joint mechanism to manage maritime traffic through the vital water corridor strait, while the US has reimposed its naval blockade of Iranian ports.
"Oman continues its transparent and neutral cooperation with all parties to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait, in full compliance with international law," the Omani Foreign Ministry said in a statement posted on social media.
The ministry added that the Sultanate was fully committed to abiding by the principles of international maritime law.
"Oman is fully committed to its obligations as a State Party to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and calls on all parties to respect and abide by international law," the statement said.
The remarks come post Trump's announcement on Monday that the US would seize control of the Strait of Hormuz and impose a 20% charge on all cargo transiting the waterway to cover security costs, stating that Washington would act as the "Guardian of the Hormuz Strait", leading to heavy criticism from shipping industry experts who call the plan impractical, while Iran has insisted that it remains the governing authority for controlling passage in the strait.
(UNI)
