Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep12: Gulf states are weighing rare talks with Iran over Hormuz. Oman is pushing for a meeting, but Yemen’s conflict threatens Bab el-Mandeb. The gathering remains unconfirmed.
Six Gulf states are considering rare talks with Iran. The discussions would focus on the Strait of Hormuz. Oman is trying to convene the meeting for Monday. The proposed venue is Salalah, in southern Oman. People familiar with the discussions described them as sensitive. They spoke on condition of anonymity. The gathering has not been confirmed.
Oman Pushes GCC-Iran Hormuz Talks
Oman wants GCC and Iranian foreign ministers together. It would be the first such gathering since war began. That conflict erupted more than six months ago. Iran says preparations are underway for the talks. Tehran wants to discuss its negotiations with Oman over Hormuz. Iran and Iraq are expected to take part. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed the plans on Telegram. Oman’s foreign ministry did not immediately comment. It remains unclear whether every GCC state will attend.
Strait of Hormuz Disrupts Gulf Energy Flows
The strait carries vital global oil, gas and commodity flows. It is effectively closed amid the ongoing conflict. Washington has used a naval blockade to pressure Tehran. It wants Iran to allow free passage through Hormuz again. Saudi Arabia has redirected oil to western export terminals. Saudi Arabia and the UAE also use pipelines to bypass Hormuz. These routes do not eliminate the wider disruption.
Bab el-Mandeb Adds Another Oil Risk
Yemen’s conflict is adding a second maritime risk. Houthi forces are pushing towards Red Sea coastal areas. Those areas border the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. The waterway has faced shipping disruptions before. Renewed pressure there could complicate regional oil flows.
Yemen Fighting Complicates Diplomacy
Saudi-backed forces are fighting the Iran-aligned Houthis. The group has also targeted southwestern Saudi towns. Some energy sites have reportedly been damaged. This escalation could further strain Saudi-Iran relations. It may also complicate the proposed Oman talks.
Ships Still Crossing Hormuz Under Fire
More ships have crossed Hormuz in recent months. Many travel at night with transponders switched off. Some receive US military protection during the crossing. They still face regular Iranian missile and drone fire.
Brent Crude Trades Near $104
Oil prices rose sharply during the week. Brent fell more than 3% on Friday. It still traded near $104 a barrel. Brent remained on track for its best weekly gain since July. The International Energy Agency warned of weaker demand.
Gulf States Face Two-Chokepoint Challenge
Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb now pose overlapping risks. Saudi Arabia’s western routes reduce, but do not remove, exposure. Gulf economies are already feeling the strain. Qatar reported its biggest quarterly deficit in nearly a decade. Saudi Arabia’s economy contracted over the same period. Some investors and tourists are also avoiding the region. Iran, meanwhile, faces steep inflation and a weakening currency. Tehran says it will not relent without a lifted blockade.
The proposed Oman meeting could open a diplomatic channel. Yemen’s escalation adds an immediate complication. Diplomacy and conflict are unfolding simultaneously. Neither the talks nor the risks are yet resolved.
