Iran-Qatar talks on the Strait of Hormuz took place in Tehran on Thursday. Both countries discussed de-escalation and a proposed framework for the strategic waterway. This took place amid a US naval blockade that is tightening the squeeze on Iranian fuel supplies.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, met Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Tehran, Iran. Iranian state television and Qatar’s foreign ministry reported the meeting.
Doha said the ministers discussed efforts to reduce tensions and a proposed Iran-Oman framework for the Strait of Hormuz. Al Thani stressed the need to respect neighbouring states’ sovereignty, maintain freedom of navigation and pursue dialogue.
The meeting followed separate diplomatic contacts involving Oman and Pakistan. These contacts aimed at ending the conflict between Iran and the United States. The goal was also restoring regular shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Qatar and Pakistan previously helped broker an April ceasefire and a June Iran-US agreement. However, both arrangements later collapsed.
Iran has maintained tight control over the Strait of Hormuz since the war with the United States began on February 28. Washington has responded with a naval blockade of Iranian ports. It has also threatened wider secondary sanctions against countries, banks and companies that continue trading with Tehran.
Iranian Vice President Mohammad Jafar Ghaempanah said Wednesday that the blockade had prevented Iran from importing enough petrol to cover a domestic production shortfall. Iranians have recently queued at petrol stations. Meanwhile, the presidential chief of staff, Mohsen Haji-Mirzaei, said fuel quotas would be reviewed.
Iran and Oman have discussed establishing a temporary shipping corridor and clearing mines that Tehran says were laid during the conflict. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said Wednesday that the two countries had agreed on their respective shares of the waters. Additionally, they agreed on revenues generated from managing the route.
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Tehran has said it will not fully reopen the strait unless Washington lifts its naval blockade. Furthermore, Tehran demands that Washington unfreeze Iranian assets abroad and remove oil sanctions.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said Thursday that an unknown projectile had struck a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz during the week. This caused a fire that was later extinguished.
