Iran and Oman Launch Joint Committee on Strait of Hormuz Management

Iran and Oman Launch Joint Committee on Strait of Hormuz Management

    Monday, June 29, 2026   No comments

Iran and Oman have initiated formal discussions on the future administration of the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant step in bilateral cooperation over one of the world's most strategic maritime chokepoints.

The inaugural meeting of the joint committee on the Strait of Hormuz took place in Muscat, bringing together Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, and Abdulaziz Al-Hinai, ambassador-at-large at the Omani Foreign Ministry. The talks focused on current challenges and the long-term governance framework for the vital waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to international waters.

The negotiations are being conducted under the framework of Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which emphasizes the sovereign rights of coastal states bordering the strait. This agreement provides the legal foundation for addressing technical and operational matters related to maritime traffic and security in the region.

A key component of the memorandum involves the removal of technical and military obstacles in the strait. The agreement stipulates that Iran will conduct demining operations within a 30-day window, a measure aimed at enhancing navigational safety and reducing potential risks to commercial shipping. The talks also mandated discussions between Tehran and Muscat on defining maritime services and administrative protocols for the waterway.

The joint committee represents the first formal mechanism established specifically for managing the Strait of Hormuz through bilateral cooperation. Both delegations emphasized that all future maritime arrangements must align strictly with applicable international law while respecting the sovereign rights of the coastal nations.

Officials indicated that these bilateral discussions are intended to serve as a foundation for broader regional cooperation. The framework envisions eventual expansion of the talks to include other Persian Gulf littoral states, creating a more comprehensive approach to managing the strategic corridor through which a significant portion of global oil shipments passes daily.

The establishment of this joint committee reflects growing recognition among regional powers of the need for coordinated governance of shared maritime spaces. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical energy transit routes, with approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies passing through its narrow waters each year.

The next steps in the process will involve implementing the demining operations and continuing technical discussions on maritime services administration. Both sides expressed commitment to maintaining regular dialogue through the joint committee mechanism to address emerging challenges and ensure the safe, efficient passage of commercial vessels through the strait.

The talks underscore the importance of diplomatic engagement in managing shared maritime resources and demonstrate a regional approach to addressing security and administrative challenges in one of the world's most economically significant waterways.

Why the UAE is Pivoting to Iran in the Shadow of a Closed Hormuz

Why the UAE is Pivoting to Iran in the Shadow of a Closed Hormuz

    Thursday, June 11, 2026   No comments

 The Caloric Reality

Four months into the ongoing regional conflict, the United Arab Emirates is facing a profound logistical nightmare. Following continued US strikes, Iran has shut the Strait of Hormuz once again, severing the maritime jugular of the Gulf. Initially, analysts spooked by the blockade—and the power-centered leaders of the UAE themselves—viewed the crisis almost exclusively through a hydrocarbon lens. The prevailing narrative was that the UAE could simply bypass the closure via its West-East pipeline, allowing tankers to load oil and gas from Fujairah on the Gulf of Oman, safely circumventing the strait.

But a harsh, undeniable reality has since set in: pipelines can transport crude, but they cannot transport calories. The basic fundamental of state survival is food, not oil. Consequently, the UAE is executing a dramatic geopolitical pivot, choosing to integrate with Iran’s new regional security framework rather than challenge it.

When the blockade began, the UAE’s immediate instinct was to lean on its energy infrastructure. The Emirates normally routes 51% of its crude through the Strait of Hormuz. The closure forced the state oil company, ADNOC, to slash output from 3.4 million barrels per day. In a bold move, the UAE officially left OPEC in May, signaling its intent to maximize production independently.

However, this strategic decoupling has proven largely hollow. What good is pumping record volumes of oil if you cannot physically ship it out of the country? While the UAE is now pouring emergency capital and round-the-clock labor into accelerating the West-East bypass pipeline—originally slated for completion in 2027—to move the full 3.4 million barrels per day to the Arabian Sea, leadership has realized this only solves half the equation. Oil revenues mean nothing if the domestic population is starving.

The Caloric Reality Check

The true vulnerability of the UAE lies in its food supply chain. Over 80% of the nation’s food imports traditionally pass through the Strait of Hormuz. A full, sustained blockade cripples these maritime food routes, pushing the Emirates to the brink of a severe food security crisis.

The symptoms are already visible on the ground. Major supermarket chains across the Emirates have hiked prices by 40% in a desperate bid to ration supplies and avoid empty shelves, a move that is actively fueling internal instability and public anxiety. Furthermore, Dubai’s status as a global logistics hub is in jeopardy. The city’s Jebel Ali mega-port is grinding to a halt, with compounding shipping delays and surging maritime insurance rates making everything from manufacturing inputs to retail imports economically unsustainable.

You cannot pump wheat, rice, or livestock through a subterranean tube. This stark reality has forced a complete recalibration of Emirati strategic thinking.

This crisis has laid bare the UAE’s inherent geographic limitations. Unlike its neighbor, the Sultanate of Oman, which boasts direct, unencumbered access to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean via the Musandam Peninsula and its southern coast, the UAE’s primary commercial and population centers are deeply tied to the Persian Gulf.

The UAE is realizing that it cannot out-geography its constraints. A nation that might have been better off with the geographic endowments of Oman is now forced to adapt to the hand it was dealt. Challenging Iran’s control over the chokepoint is no longer a viable option when the cost is national starvation.

The New Strategy: Integration Over Confrontation

Recognizing that military or economic defiance will only deepen the caloric deficit, the UAE is adopting a new, three-pronged strategy focused on damage limitation and diplomatic integration:

1. Playing Real Neutrality: The UAE is shifting its diplomatic posture to explicitly ban American or Israeli forces from using Emirati airbases for strikes on Iran. This clear non-aggression stance is designed to shield critical domestic infrastructure—most notably the Barakah nuclear plant—from retaliatory targeting. More importantly, it is the only viable diplomatic path for the UAE to gain regional stability and signal to Tehran that it is a partner, not a proxy, in Iran's emerging security framework.

2. Accelerating the Energy Bypass: While acknowledging its limits, the UAE is still rushing the West-East pipeline project. By getting it running early, the state hopes to at least secure its hydrocarbon revenue stream via Fujairah, ensuring the government retains the financial capital needed to fund emergency food imports and domestic agricultural overhauls.

3. A National Agrotechnology Sprint: To secure its long-term survival, the UAE is launching a heavily subsidized, wartime-style national initiative to scale up domestic food production. This includes massive investments in indoor vertical farming, advanced hydroponics, and expanded desalination plants. The ambitious, state-mandated goal is to achieve 50% domestic food self-sufficiency, reducing reliance on vulnerable maritime supply chains.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has served as a brutal stress test for the modern Gulf state. For decades, the UAE’s foreign policy was anchored by the belief that oil wealth could engineer its way out of any geopolitical bottleneck. The events of 2026 have shattered that illusion.

As supermarket shelves thin and Jebel Ali falls quiet, the UAE’s leadership has come to a singular, sobering conclusion: in the hierarchy of national survival, food security dictates foreign policy. By making nice with Iran and integrating into its security framework, the UAE is not surrendering its sovereignty; it is making a pragmatic, existential calculation to ensure its people are fed.

China on War on Iran: "This is a conflict that should never have happened and there is no need for it to continue"

China on War on Iran: "This is a conflict that should never have happened and there is no need for it to continue"

    Monday, May 25, 2026   No comments

China has intensified diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran, urging both nations to preserve emerging "momentum of de-escalation" and pursue a political settlement to a conflict Beijing describes as "pointless and avoidable."

In a statement released Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning emphasized that the ongoing hostilities "should never have happened and there is no need for it to continue." She called for sustained dialogue that "accommodates the concerns of all parties," noting that "an earlier solution serves the interests of both the US and Iran, as well as regional countries and the world at large."

Mao's remarks come amid intensified diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran following months of elevated regional tensions. China has positioned itself as a neutral facilitator, coordinating with Gulf states and supporting multilateral efforts to restore stability to West Asia.

Xi Jinping Praises Pakistan's Mediation Role

In a parallel diplomatic development, Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Beijing on Monday to coordinate peace efforts. According to state news agency Xinhua, Xi commended Pakistan for "taking the initiative to play a mediating role in restoring peace in the Middle East" and called for closer China-Pakistan coordination to counter "unilateralism and Cold War mentality."

Sharif, accompanied by Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir—a key figure in Islamabad's mediation efforts—told Chinese leadership that "the world is passing through a critical moment." He affirmed Pakistan's "sincere role" in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran, adding that "things are moving in the right direction."

General Munir had recently returned from Tehran, where he visited alongside Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi as part of Pakistan's ongoing shuttle diplomacy. Pakistan previously hosted the only direct US-Iran talks since the conflict escalated, though those discussions stalled amid what Pakistani officials described as "excessive demands" from Washington.

Beijing's Quiet Diplomacy

While Pakistan has taken a more visible mediating role, China has pursued a quieter but coordinated diplomatic strategy. Beijing has engaged affected Gulf states through bilateral calls and multilateral forums, while jointly issuing a five-point peace initiative with Islamabad in March. The initiative called for immediate ceasefire negotiations, humanitarian access, and the restoration of safe navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Analysts note that China's approach reflects its broader foreign policy principles of non-interference and peaceful dispute resolution. By emphasizing dialogue over confrontation, Beijing aims to position itself as a responsible global stakeholder while safeguarding its significant economic interests across the Middle East.

President Xi reaffirmed China's "unbreakable" friendship with Pakistan during Monday's meeting, stating that both nations stand ready to "work together to restore peace and stability in West Asia." As diplomatic channels remain active, the international community will be watching whether these coordinated efforts can translate into tangible progress toward a lasting political settlement.

Beijing holds the United States and Israel responsible for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz

Beijing holds the United States and Israel responsible for the closure of the Strait of Hormuz

    Monday, April 27, 2026   No comments

  China's representative to the United Nations stated that the closure of the Strait of Hormuz stems from illegal military operations launched by Washington and Tel Aviv. He added that resolving the Strait of Hormuz issue requires achieving a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire as soon as possible.

Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, said: 

"We asked China for help to get our 8 ships through Hormuz, and they told us they are struggling to free 70 of their own ships".

Related, France's Macron says to resume exchanges with Iran after Andorra visit. French President Emmanuel Macron said on Monday that he will resume exchanges with Iran after concluding his visit to Andorra.

Macron made the remarks during a two-day visit to Andorra, saying that the current ceasefire between the United States and Iran is a good thing, and the next step should be advancing discussions.

Sustained tensions and long-distance responses between the parties involved in the conflict are not good, he added.

Macron stressed that it is important to ensure the passage of gas, oil, fertilizers and other goods through the Strait of Hormuz, as it affects the global economy.

Macron has welcomed the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran earlier this month and meanwhile called for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

This is all happening while Iranian diplomats are visiting Russia, after visits to Oman and Pakistan.

Tehran Denounces U.S. Aggression, Vows Strategic Response Amid Escalating Tensions

Tehran Denounces U.S. Aggression, Vows Strategic Response Amid Escalating Tensions

    Monday, April 06, 2026   No comments

In a series of pointed statements, Iranian officials have sharply criticized recent U.S. actions in the region, characterizing them as acts of terrorism that have effectively removed diplomacy from the American agenda. The Islamic Republic's Foreign Ministry has articulated a firm stance, asserting that negotiations cannot proceed under ultimatums or threats of war crimes, while simultaneously preparing a calibrated diplomatic response to be unveiled at a strategically chosen moment.

Central to Tehran's recent accusations is the controversial "Isfahan operation." Iranian authorities have suggested that this military maneuver may have been a diversionary tactic aimed at stealing uranium, though they emphasize that the attempt ultimately failed. The Foreign Ministry described the operation as a "scandal and a disaster" for the United States, expressing hope that Washington has drawn lessons from what it termed a reckless and counterproductive venture. This incident, according to Iranian officials, exemplifies a broader pattern: the U.S. prioritizes the preservation of what Tehran refers to as "the Israeli entity" over genuine regional security, thereby destabilizing the Persian Gulf and undermining prospects for peaceful resolution.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Naval Force Command has reinforced Iran's strategic posture with a definitive declaration regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Commanders stated unequivocally that the strategic waterway "will not return to its previous status, especially for the American and [Israeli] enemy." The IRGC Naval Force is reportedly finalizing operational preparations to implement a new security framework in the Persian Gulf, signaling a long-term shift in regional maritime dynamics. This stance reflects Tehran's commitment to asserting sovereign control over critical chokepoints while deterring what it perceives as hostile naval presence.

Regarding diplomatic pathways, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman confirmed that Tehran has prepared comprehensive responses to a 15-point U.S. proposal aimed at ending the conflict. The plan, relayed through intermediaries including Pakistan and other friendly states, was dismissed by Iranian officials as containing "excessive, unusual and unreasonable demands." While acknowledging certain acceptable elements, Iran has formulated its own counter-proposals grounded in national interests and clearly defined red lines. The ministry emphasized that details of Iran's response will be disclosed only when deemed necessary, underscoring a strategy of deliberate, controlled communication.

Tehran has also expressed skepticism toward temporary ceasefire arrangements. Iranian officials argue that a short-term pause in hostilities would merely provide aggressors with time to regroup and prepare for further escalation. Instead, Iran calls for a definitive and comprehensive end to the war, with guarantees against its repetition. This position aligns with broader regional concerns about cyclical violence and the urgent need for sustainable peace frameworks that address root causes rather than symptoms.

The legal and moral dimensions of the conflict have drawn unprecedented scrutiny from the international legal community. More than one hundred U.S.-based international law experts, professors, and practitioners have issued a joint statement warning that the United States' military campaign against Iran constitutes a clear violation of the United Nations Charter and raises serious concerns about potential war crimes. The scholars emphasize that the initiation of hostilities on February 28 lacked authorization from the UN Security Council and was not justified by self-defense against an imminent armed attack, thereby breaching fundamental principles of international law governing the use of force.

These legal experts have expressed particular alarm over reported strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, including schools, health facilities, water desalination plants, and energy installations. They cite the attack on a primary school in Minab, which reportedly killed at least 175 people, many of them children, as a particularly troubling incident that may violate international humanitarian law. The letter also condemns rhetoric from senior U.S. officials that appears to dismiss legal constraints on military operations, including statements describing rules of engagement as "stupid" and prioritizing "lethality" over "legality." Threats to destroy power plants and other infrastructure essential to civilian survival, they warn, could constitute war crimes if carried out.

The experts further caution that systematic efforts to weaken institutional safeguards within the U.S. Defense Department—including the removal of senior military lawyers and the abolition of civilian harm mitigation teams—risk enabling further violations of international law. They urge U.S. officials to reaffirm their commitment to the UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and human rights law, and call on allied nations to uphold their obligations not to assist in internationally wrongful acts.

These concerns from the legal community coincide with sharp criticism from within the United States Congress. Multiple U.S. senators have publicly denounced President Trump's threats to target Iranian infrastructure as potential war crimes. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut stated unequivocally that threatening to destroy infrastructure essential to civilian life constitutes a clear war crime, warning that such actions would kill thousands of innocent people and permanently stain America's global standing. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer echoed these concerns, describing the President's rhetoric as unhinged and warning that threatening possible war crimes alienates allies and betrays American values. Progressive Senator Bernie Sanders joined the chorus of criticism, characterizing the President's statements as the ravings of a dangerous and mentally unbalanced individual and calling on Congress to act immediately to end the war.

These domestic and international criticisms come as reports indicate that more than 1,600 civilians in Iran, including at least 244 children, have been killed since U.S. and Israeli airstrikes began in late February. Iranian officials point to these casualties as further evidence that the U.S. campaign disregards civilian life and international legal norms. Tehran argues that threats to escalate attacks on civilian infrastructure only reinforce the perception that Washington favors coercion over dialogue and is willing to sacrifice regional stability for short-term tactical gains.

Meanwhile, reports of discussions around a potential 45-day ceasefire—potentially leading to a permanent resolution—have been met with cautious scrutiny in Tehran. Iranian authorities stress that any meaningful de-escalation must be built on mutual respect, adherence to international law, and recognition of Iran's legitimate security concerns. They emphasize that diplomatic progress cannot be achieved under the shadow of threats or ultimatums.

As the region navigates this precarious juncture, Iran's messaging remains consistent: diplomacy must be conducted without preconditions or threats, regional security cannot be sacrificed for unilateral interests, and any path forward must acknowledge the realities of a transformed strategic landscape. With its diplomatic response prepared and its military posture adjusted, Tehran signals readiness to engage—but strictly on terms that safeguard its sovereignty and contribute to lasting stability in the Persian Gulf. The growing chorus of criticism from U.S. lawmakers and the unprecedented warning from international legal scholars add new dimensions to the crisis, highlighting deep divisions not only between nations but within the American political and legal establishments themselves over the conduct, legality, and consequences of the war on Iran.

UAE Explores Military Role in Strait of Hormuz Operation Amid Escalating Iran Tensions

UAE Explores Military Role in Strait of Hormuz Operation Amid Escalating Iran Tensions

    Wednesday, April 01, 2026   No comments

The United Arab Emirates is reportedly preparing to support potential military operations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and is lobbying for a United Nations Security Council resolution to authorize such action, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing Arab officials. If the UAE proceeds, it would become the first Gulf state to formally participate in the conflict as a combatant.

Emirati diplomats have urged the United States and military powers in Europe and Asia to form a coalition to secure the strategic waterway, which handles approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. According to officials familiar with the discussions, the UAE is evaluating potential military contributions, including mine-clearing operations and logistical support.

The UAE has also reportedly suggested that the United States consider occupying Iranian-held islands in the strait, including Abu Musa—a territory claimed by Abu Dhabi for decades.

The reported shift in UAE posture comes amid intensified Iranian attacks on Gulf states. On April 1, 2026, UAE air defense systems intercepted five ballistic missiles and 35 drones originating from Iran, according to the UAE Ministry of Defense. Since the onset of hostilities, UAE defenses have engaged a total of 438 ballistic missiles, 19 cruise missiles, and 2,012 drones, the ministry reported.

These attacks have resulted in casualties, including two members of the UAE Armed Forces killed while on duty, one Moroccan civilian under military contract, and nine civilians of Pakistani, Nepalese, Bangladeshi, Palestinian, and Indian nationalities. An additional 190 individuals of diverse nationalities sustained injuries ranging from minor to severe.

Iran has warned it will target civilian infrastructure in any Gulf state that supports military operations against its territory. Tehran has framed its actions as defensive responses to what it characterizes as aggression.

The UAE has framed its position around international norms, citing UN resolutions condemning Iran's attacks and disruptions to maritime traffic. The UAE Foreign Ministry stated there is "broad global consensus that freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be preserved."

The UN Security Council recently adopted a resolution condemning Iran's attacks on Gulf Cooperation Council states and demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities. The resolution passed with 13 votes in favor and two abstentions.

While Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states have expressed support for continuing pressure on Iran's leadership, they have stopped short of committing their own militaries to direct combat operations.

Military analysts caution that reopening the Strait of Hormuz by force presents significant operational challenges. Securing the waterway would likely require control not only of maritime routes but also of adjacent coastal areas—a complex undertaking with uncertain outcomes.

"I don't think we can do it," said Rep. Adam Smith (D-WA), former chair of the House Armed Services Committee. "All Iran has to do is keep the strait under threat—one drone, one mine, one small suicide boat."

The ongoing conflict has already impacted the UAE's economy, disrupting air travel, affecting tourism, and creating uncertainty in property markets. The UAE has responded with measures including restrictions on Iranian nationals and the closure of Iranian-linked institutions in Dubai.

As diplomatic and military calculations continue, the UAE faces a consequential decision: whether to maintain its current defensive posture or take a more active role in efforts to secure one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints.