GCC foreign ministers set to meet Iran's Araghchi in Oman over Hormuz shipping

In a move marking the first encounter between Gulf Cooperation Council diplomats and an Iranian senior official since the war erupted in February, foreign ministers from the six GCC countries are slated to meet Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi in Salalah, Oman. The gathering, promoted by Oman and Tehran, aims to garner GCC support for a provisional arrangement to manage ship movements through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Participants hope the consensus could be leveraged to persuade the United States to end its blockade of Iranian ports. While Iran and Oman view the talks as a pathway to broader regional acceptance, GCC members insist any pact must be short-term and guarantee the free passage of vessels. The meeting details remain tentative, but several GCC states have already confirmed attendance, according to two insiders.