Omani Ships Navigate Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran-Oman Protocol Discussions
Three vessels, including the first LNG carrier in a month, were observed navigating the northern coast of Oman, marking a significant movement from the Persian Gulf. This development coincides with ongoing discussions between Oman and Iran regarding a protocol to manage the Strait of Hormuz. The LNG carrier, Sohar LNG, along with two Omani crude oil tankers, were identified via AIS signals, indicating their transit through the Strait. The Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that Iran and Oman are drafting a protocol to ensure safe passage through the Strait, aiming to monitor transits effectively. This comes as the Philippines Foreign Ministry announced an agreement with Iran to allow the passage of Philippine-flagged vessels, ensuring the safety of Filipino seafarers and facilitating oil imports critical to the Philippines.