Kathmandu. Tehran will discuss the strategically important Hormuz Strait with the Gulf countries in Oman on Monday, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry. Iran has repeatedly blocked this waterway during the war in the Middle East.

In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry said, “The meeting is aimed at enhancing better understanding among the countries of the region and strengthening common regional security.” Iraq and other littoral states of the Persian Gulf will also participate.

Iran has been at war since Feb. 28 after a U.S.-Israeli attack killed its supreme leader. Iran has retaliated by launching attacks across the region and blockading the Strait of Hormuz. This route used to supply one-fifth of the world’s fuel.

More than six months after the start of the Middle East war, the blockade continues. This is driving up the price of oil, reaching above $100 a barrel this week.

Oman and Iran, which share borders with the Strait of Hormuz, have been discussing how to manage the vital waterway for the past few weeks.

Before the war, this waterway was open for free movement. But now Iran has made it mandatory for ships to get permission and is also considering a mechanism to levy a service fee.

Non-compliant ships are routinely targeted by Iranian attacks, and the United States has challenged Iranian control by bombing Iranian coastlines from time to time.