Oman Foreign Minister Busaidi and Japan Foreign Minister Motegi said after meeting in Muscat that international efforts must be strengthened to ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law. Busaidi said safe passage through Hormuz is integral to regional security and prosperity. Motegi praised Oman’s role in addressing the Hormuz shipping crisis and pledged closer coordination with Muscat to secure freedom and safety of navigation in the Strait o

WTI crude rose above $87/barrel, up 3.27% intraday.

Qatari prime minister and foreign minister Al Thani, speaking at a joint news conference with Egypt’s foreign minister, said Qatar will continue coordinating with Egypt to press for a final, sustainable agreement on the Iran issue to end the war and military escalation. Qatar’s foreign ministry said diplomats agreed the region has been in a difficult situation since the outbreak of the US‑Iran war, with extremely serious negative effects across the region. Al Thani stressed the need to ensure freedom, safety and protection of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al‑Mandeb, saying international shipping must not be held hostage or used as political blackmail and condemning actions that obstruct maritime traffic.