The talks between Iran and Middle East Gulf states had been scheduled for Monday in Salalah, Oman.

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said they were delayed “in the interests of consensus” and to create suitable conditions for constructive dialogue. Iran said the decision was taken jointly by Tehran and Muscat at the request of several regional countries. No alternative date has been announced, although the two countries are expected to continue coordinating on a possible rescheduling.

The postponement leaves Oman’s effort to establish a regional mechanism for navigation through the Strait of Hormuz on hold. Participation remained uncertain in the run-up to the gathering: Bahrain had ruled out attending, while other Gulf states had not publicly confirmed their involvement. The lack of a common position highlights the political difficulty of turning bilateral discussions between Oman and Iran into a wider regional arrangement.

The planned meeting was intended to discuss temporary commercial shipping routes and broader rules for managing traffic through the waterway. Key points remain unresolved, including Iran’s role in approving vessel transits and proposals for service or transit fees.

Tehran had signalled that any agreement would not necessarily amount to a full, unrestricted reopening of the strait.

Oman’s mediation channel remains open, but the postponement indicates that a regionally backed framework is unlikely until the participating states narrow their differences.