Qatar says Iran-Oman talks on Hormuz reach an advanced stage

Qatar said Tuesday that discussions between Iran and Oman over navigation arrangements in the Strait of Hormuz have made substantial headway, while Doha called for the strategic passage to return to operation at the earliest possible opportunity.

Doha calls for swift reopening

Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said Qatar views the negotiations as being at an important stage and continues to follow developments closely. He said Doha supports diplomatic initiatives intended to prevent further escalation and promote a settlement.

“From our position as mediators, we want the Strait of Hormuz reopened as soon as possible,” Ansari said.

Iran and Oman negotiate maritime framework

Tehran and Muscat are working on both legal and technical arrangements that would govern navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The talks followed a disruption in maritime traffic after the military confrontation between Iran and the US affected movement through the strategic waterway.

Tehran links reopening to outstanding dispute

Iran has indicated that putting a reopening arrangement into effect depends on resolving disagreements over what it considers US breaches of the memorandum of understanding signed in June. Qatar’s continued backing for negotiations comes as Iran and Oman seek to settle the remaining issues surrounding maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.