Oman, Iran in talks to reopen Strait of Hormuz

High-level discussions have been held between Oman and Iran regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical energy supply routes. The meeting at the deputy foreign minister level between the two countries was also attended by experts.

Oman's state news agency said on X on Sunday, April 5, that various possible options for reopening the strait were discussed in detail.

Both Oman and Iran share borders with this strategic waterway. Tehran has effectively closed the route since US and Israeli strikes began in February.

Despite diplomatic talks, Israel and the US have continued aerial strikes on Iran. In the last 24 hours, at least nine people have been killed and eight injured in US strikes on Iran's Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad province. Israel claims to have struck over 120 air defence and missile systems in Iran in the past day.

According to Iranian media, five people were killed and 170 injured in a strike on a major petrochemical complex in south-west Iran. Five members of Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) have also been killed in strikes on the Moghan plain in Ardebil province in the north-west.

Iranian drone attacks have damaged electricity and water desalination facilities in Kuwait. A fire at the Bapco oil facility in Bahrain has been extinguished. Production at the Borouge petrochemical plant in Abu Dhabi has been suspended after a fire caused by missile debris.

Meanwhile, an Iranian rocket has struck the Neot Hovav industrial area in Beersheba, southern Israel, raising concerns of chemical leakage. This is the third attack on the area since the war began. Israel's Home Front Command had earlier issued alerts over missile launches toward Beersheba and Dimona.