The world’s most important oil chokepoint is back at the negotiating table. Iranian and Omani officials have been holding what both sides describe as constructive talks aimed at restoring normal commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the wider world.
For context: roughly one fifth of global oil supply passes through this corridor.
How we got here
The current crisis traces back to late February 2026. Following US and Israeli military strikes against Iran on February 28, Tehran moved to restrict commercial shipping through the strait.
Iran and Oman held their first formal undersecretary-level talks on the matter on April 4 and 5, 2026.
