Iran says to discuss Hormuz with Gulf states in Oman on Monday

Iran's foreign ministry said on Friday that the country would meet Gulf states in Oman on Monday to discuss the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway Iran has blockaded during the Middle East war. Iraq and other littoral Persian Gulf states will also take part.

Why is Iran meeting Gulf states in Oman on Monday?

Iran said the meeting is intended to promote better understanding among regional countries and strengthen shared regional security. The talks will bring together Iran, Iraq and other Gulf states bordering the Persian Gulf. Oman and Iran, which both border the Strait of Hormuz, have been discussing for weeks how the waterway will be managed going forward.

Why did Iran blockade the Strait of Hormuz?

Iran has been at war since February 28, when US-Israeli strikes killed its supreme leader. Tehran retaliated with attacks across the region and blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of world oil supplies previously flowed. More than six months into the war, the blockade continues to drive up oil prices, which soared past $100 a barrel this week.

How is Iran managing shipping through the strait?

The strait was free to transit before the war, but Iran now requires vessels to obtain permission to pass and is considering a mechanism to impose service fees. Ships that do not comply are regularly targeted by Iranian strikes. The United States periodically bombs the Iranian coastline to challenge Tehran's control of the strait.