Oman is reportedly moving to deepen trade ties with Iran as tensions surge across the Gulf following a mysterious tanker explosion near Muscat in the Gulf of Oman. Iranian media said the Sultan of Oman ordered measures to expand economic cooperation with Tehran at a time when Oman has become a key route for Iranian trade amid worsening Iran-UAE relations. The tanker blast, described as an “external explosion,” occurred about 60 nautical miles from Muscat, sparking speculation about a drone strike or limpet mine attack. The incident has intensified fears of renewed conflict and threats to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Omani Foreign Minister Bard al-Busaidi received the senior Iranian diplomat, who conveyed a verbal message from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi about "the ongoing…

The incident, in the Gulf of Oman about 60 nautical miles east of Muscat, was an ‘external explosion’, UKMTO said.