Meeting Between Iran and Gulf Nations Postponed in Oman

Muscat, September 14 (Daily Kiran) : Oman’s Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, announced on Sunday that the meeting scheduled for Monday in Salalah between Iran and Gulf nations has been postponed.

Al Busaidi shared the news on the social media platform X, stating, “In the interest of maintaining consensus among all parties, the regional meeting set for tomorrow in Salalah has been delayed.” He emphasized the commitment to fostering dialogue that promotes stability and long-term cooperation in the region.

Mohammad Ali Baq, the Director General for Gulf Affairs at Iran’s Foreign Ministry, confirmed the postponement in an interview with Iran’s state news agency IRNA. He noted that the decision was made based on requests from certain regional countries and a joint agreement between Iran and Oman. Baq mentioned that Iran is in ongoing discussions with Oman to determine a suitable time for the meeting, ensuring necessary preparations and coordination.

Previously, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Ismail Baghaei, indicated that the meeting was intended to address regional issues, including ongoing discussions between Iran and Oman regarding secure maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Baghaei also anticipated participation from foreign ministers of Gulf states, as well as those from Iran and Iraq.

In a related development, Iraq announced on Sunday that it has begun the phased reopening of three major border crossings with Iran. This decision follows an administrative and technical review aimed at enhancing security and improving cross-border movement.

The Security Media Cell of Iraq stated that this decision was taken under the directives of Prime Minister Ali Al-Saidi. The organizational and technical arrangements at the Shalamcheh, Mandali, and Al-Shib border crossings have been upgraded.

As per the schedule, the Al-Shib and Shalamcheh crossings reopened for passenger traffic at 6 AM on Sunday. Trade activities at Shalamcheh will resume on Monday, followed by Mandali on Tuesday, and Al-Shib on Thursday. The Security Media Cell also clarified that the Jurabatiyah and Al-Munthiriya crossings with Iran continue to operate as usual, functioning 24 hours a day.