Muscat

US embassies in the Middle East issued security alerts urging American citizens to 'consider departing' due to potential escalation in the US-Iran conflict. The warnings followed President Donald Trump's threats to strike Iran 'very hard' and reports of possible US attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure. Advisories included avoiding military bases and preparing for travel disruptions.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired a missile at a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, damaging it and declaring the strait closed until further notice. The attack defied a U.S. ultimatum demanding Iran guarantee safe passage, occurring after failed negotiations in Muscat involving Oman and Qatar.

Oman and Iran held talks in Muscat to secure safe and unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The two sides agreed to continue technical and political discussions aimed at reaching arrangements aligned with international law.

Qatari officials have joined talks between Iran and Oman in Muscat over navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Discussions focus on a possible statement to reopen the central passage through the strategic waterway, which lies in international waters.

The Trump administration has set a Saturday deadline for Iran to publicly commit to halting attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, following a meeting between Iranian and Omani diplomats in Muscat. US officials warned of 'severe consequences' if Iran does not issue the statement.

The Trump administration has given Iran until Saturday to acknowledge the Strait of Hormuz is open and commit to stopping attacks on commercial ships, according to US officials cited by Axios. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is set to meet Oman's counterpart in Muscat to discuss the Hormuz crisis, with US officials warning of 'harsh consequences' if Iran fails to issue a compliant statement afterward.

Twenty women were detained at Hyderabad airport with fake visas. They claimed a travel agent arranged the documents, promising jobs in Muscat, and they were unaware the visas were fraudulent.

Oil prices continue to decline as increased oil tanker and cargo vessel activity is observed flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. The vessels are anchored off Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, Oman.

Oman Air launches a nonstop flight from Muscat to Singapore as part of its strategy to promote Oman as a tourism destination and expand services to North Asia. The airline cites lower costs and its Oneworld alliance membership as factors supporting the new route, which previously failed with a stopover in Kuala Lumpur nine years ago.

The US claims it and Iran agreed to halt hostilities, though Iran has not confirmed. The truce is under strain after an Iranian projectile hit a cargo ship, prompting US strikes and Iranian attacks on US Gulf allies. Iran seeks to end the war but aims to maintain leverage over the Strait of Hormuz, with a proposed route through Omani waters potentially involving charges.

Oil tankers and cargo vessels continue to pass through the Strait of Hormuz despite threats from Iran, with traffic gradually increasing and oil prices declining. As of June 21, 2026, vessels remain anchored off Port Sultan Qaboos in Muscat, Oman.

Qatar's prime minister visited Muscat for talks with Oman on negotiations involving Iran, Iraq, and Gulf states regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions are separate from US-Iran peace talks and de-mining arrangements, with Gulf states seeking no transit fees and Iran possibly proposing environmental, navigation, and security fees.

Residential land prices in Muscat, Oman, rose 43.6% year-on-year in Q1, with the country's economy insulated from US-Iran war effects due to its ports being outside the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia's property market also showed resilience despite fewer transactions caused by affordability issues and war-related uncertainty.

A tanker was damaged by an external explosion near the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf of Oman, with the UK Maritime Trade Operations confirming some fuel leaked into the sea. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following US strikes on Iran and Iran's reported mine-laying activities.

Oman is caught in a geopolitical dispute between the US and Iran over the management of the Strait of Hormuz, including plans for fees to be paid by commercial shipping. The plan is opposed by the US and has been a point of contention since the US-Israeli attack on Iran in February. Oman's position on the matter remains unclear.