Saudi Arabia Forces Postponement of Iran-Gulf Hormuz Talks in Salalah, Oman

The first Gulf-Iran gathering since the war began -- foreign ministers and officials from Iran, Iraq and the Gulf Cooperation Council states meeting in Salalah, Oman to discuss an Omani-brokered temporary Strait of Hormuz shipping arrangement -- was postponed Sunday night after Saudi Arabia submitted last-minute amendments to the Iran-Oman proposal, concerned its wording would lock in an unacceptable status quo. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi wrote that 'in the interests of consensus the regional meeting set for tomorrow in Salalah has been postponed,' with no new date announced. The underlying bilateral Iran-Oman plan envisioned inbound vessels using Iranian territorial waters and outbound vessels routed mostly through Omani waters, with voluntary tolls for navigation, environmental protection and rescue operations. Iran's Foreign Ministry confirmed the Saudi objection was the reason for the delay; a ministry spokesman said Tehran would next 'decide, in consultation with Oman, how to announce or register the agreement.' Bahrain had already declined to attend over the absence of restored diplomatic ties with Iran.