Iran, Oman Foreign Ministers Meet at UN: Bilateral Talks in New York

Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Saturday, September 26, 2026, with discussions centering on regional de-escalation, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and confidence-building measures. According to statements from Oman's Foreign Ministry, the two ministers reviewed efforts to bridge divisions in regional relations and addressed current developments in the Middle East and the Gulf. The safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring freedom of passage in support of international trade and energy supplies featured prominently in the discussions. Oman has historically served as a key intermediary between Iran and Western powers, and the meeting signals continued Omani mediation at a time when the United States and Iran remain locked in a broader standoff that has included strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan since the escalation began in February 2026. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed in a Fox News interview this week that Tehran was prepared to reduce uranium enrichment, dilute its 60-percent stockpile, and allow international verification. Araghchi has reportedly conveyed a phased, seven-day proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz through intermediaries, conditioned on a US commitment to end the naval blockade of Iranian ports, waive oil sanctions, and release frozen Iranian funds. The Omani ministry stressed the importance of building confidence and reaching consensual, practical solutions that take into account the interests of all parties. Qatar and Pakistan have also been engaged as mediators urging continued political dialogue, according to Iranian media. Saudi Arabia and the UAE have reportedly urged Washington against premature concessions while opposing further US military escalation. The meeting underscores the Gulf's central role in efforts to contain the Iran-US confrontation through diplomacy rather than further military action. No joint statement or specific agreement was announced following the talks.