Officials from Iran and Qatar have reviewed efforts to reduce war escalation and create conditions for dialogue, according to a statement from Qatar's Foreign Ministry. Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met with Iranian officials in Tehran to discuss key issues, including the future of the Strait of Hormuz, amid international hopes for renewed dialogue between the United States and Iran regarding the ongoing conflict.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Sheikh Mohammed discussed a proposed framework that includes creating a temporary shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and a potential joint project to clear mines from the strait, which Iran claims were laid during the war. The two officials also reviewed the latest regional developments and efforts to enhance security and stability.
Sheikh Mohammed later met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who emphasized the need to de-escalate regional tensions. Sheikh Mohammed stated that Qatar believes dialogue and diplomatic solutions are the best approach to resolving disputes and crises. He highlighted the importance of respecting freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.
Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezai, told Sheikh Mohammed that the US must take practical steps to meet Iran's conditions before Iran would consider reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Rezai reiterated that Iran would respond strongly to any actions by Washington that it perceives as aggressive.
Sheikh Mohammed's visit follows a week of diplomatic activity in Iran, including meetings with Oman's Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi and senior Pakistani officials aimed at finding ways to end the US-Israel war on Iran and reopen the strategic waterway, which is critical for global oil transport.
Al Jazeera's Osama Bin Javaid reported from Doha that the meetings indicate potential for a deal, while Sinem Koseoglu in Tehran cautioned that no agreement has been reached yet, as Iranian officials are currently only meeting with mediators from Pakistan and Qatar.
US President Donald Trump stated that he is not in a hurry to resume negotiations with Iran. Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has maintained strict control over the Strait of Hormuz, while the US has imposed a naval counter-blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran has been in discussions with Oman regarding the proposed framework and agreement. Koseoglu noted that talks are expected to continue between Iran, Oman, and other Gulf countries. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that Iran and Oman had agreed on the allocation of waters and revenues from managing the strait. However, Tehran insists that the strait will not reopen unless the US meets its demands, including lifting the naval blockade, unfreezing Iranian assets, and removing oil sanctions. Since the war began, Iranian forces have required vessels to obtain permission to transit the waterway and have targeted ships that do not comply. Tehran has also sought to impose service fees on vessels using the strait, a move opposed by the US and regional nations.