Middle East Maritime Security: Mixed Signals from Hormuz and Red Sea

Kathmandu. Hopes are rising that the impact of the ongoing war in the Middle East will decrease following indications from both sides that diplomatic talks between Iran and Oman on the safe passage of commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz are progressing positively. However, an attack on an Indian commercial ship near the Red Sea at the same time has shown that the risk to regional maritime security is still serious.

Iran has stated that talks with Oman are progressing 'positively'. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said that progress has been made in talks on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has also indicated the possibility of an agreement being reached 'today or tomorrow'.