The Sultanate of Oman has emphasized the critical importance of maintaining security and stability in the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route for global trade and energy supplies, particularly amid recent disruptions that have had broad economic implications. The remarks were delivered by Idris bin Abdulrahman al Khanjari, Oman’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and International Organizations in Geneva, during the Public Forum 2026 hosted by the World Trade Organization.
Al Khanjari highlighted the interconnected nature of trade, energy, food security, and economic stability, cautioning that disturbances in the Strait, which serves as a pivotal passage for international commerce, could trigger significant ripple effects well beyond the region. He noted that such disruptions tend to raise transportation, energy, and insurance costs, while breaking supply chains, thereby exerting pressure on economies particularly vulnerable to external shocks, including many developing countries.
Pointing to the broader implications, Oman stressed that the effects of instability in the Strait of Hormuz extend beyond immediate security or political concerns. The resulting cost increases and trade interruptions can disproportionately hinder the development prospects of nations with limited capacity to absorb these economic shocks, undermining progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Oman reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring safe, regular, and unhindered navigation through the Strait in adherence to international law, particularly the international law of the sea. Al Khanjari described Oman's approach as rooted in dialogue, constructive neutrality, respect for state sovereignty, and discreet diplomacy, aimed at fostering mutual trust and peaceful conflict resolution.
The Sultanate is actively engaged in consultations with both Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states to discuss practical arrangements that facilitate secure maritime transit. These efforts take into account the complex security, legal, and navigational challenges involved, with an emphasis on solutions that are sustainable, effective, and acceptable to all parties.
Addressing the human element of maritime security, the Omani representative referenced the country’s recent assistance to the crew of a commercial vessel off the Musandam Peninsula, underlining the vital link between a secure maritime environment and the welfare of seafarers who operate the vessels underpinning global trade.
The forum discussion, organized by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), took place against a backdrop of mounting international concern over the economic fallout from incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains one of the world’s most crucial chokepoints for energy and trade flows.