Qatar pressed Iran to move on a proposed interim framework to reopen the Strait of Hormuz during a day of talks in Tehran yesterday by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani.
The visit was the most substantial attempt in weeks to revive a stalled diplomatic track, coming as Washington and Tehran traded recriminations over the latest US sanctions drive, which one Iranian official described as all-out economic war. Qatar has mediated between the two sides throughout the conflict and played a direct role in securing the June ceasefire that briefly halted hostilities.
The prime minister met President Masoud Pezeshkian. They discussed regional developments, their impact on security and stability, and continuing efforts to de-escalate tensions and foster a conducive environment for dialogue.
He also met Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. They discussed developments in the region and efforts to reduce tensions and create the conditions for a resumption of dialogue. The prime minister stressed the necessity of resuming the diplomatic process, saying dialogue was the best way to address differences and avoid further escalation in the region.
He met Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as well. They discussed the latest regional developments and efforts to de-escalate and create a conducive environment for dialogue, and reviewed the proposed interim framework covering the temporary joint corridor and the mine-clearing project.
The prime minister stressed the necessity of respecting the sovereignty of neighbouring countries and freedom of navigation, and underlined the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to resolve disputes through dialogue. Araghchi expressed his gratitude to Qatar for its continued efforts aimed at de-escalation and supporting dialogue. He met
Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Mohsen Rezaei. They discussed developments in the region and the repercussions of the escalation, as well as regional and international efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and promoting regional security and stability.
The prime minister stressed the importance of exercising wisdom and responsibility in handling the current crisis in a manner that safeguards the security and stability of the region. To Page 4
In a post on X after the talks, the prime minister said Qatar believed dialogue and diplomatic solutions remained the optimal path for addressing disputes and overcoming crises, and that the visit confirmed Doha’s continuing efforts to de-escalate, prioritise the shared interests of the region’s countries and peoples, and help create conditions that open the door to peaceful solutions — including respect for freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.
The war nears its sixth month with fighting largely paused but no breakthrough in sight. Both sides remain at odds over control of the strait, a chokepoint for global oil supplies that Tehran has used as leverage.
The White House said no negotiations were currently taking place because Iran had not come to the table in a meaningful way; Iran has repeatedly said it never left it.
A memorandum of understanding reached between the US and Iran in June to end the conflict broke down in part over differences between Iran and Oman on the strait, through which a fifth of the world’s oil supplies passed before the war began on February 28.
Tehran has said the waterway will stay shut unless Washington meets the conditions agreed under the June interim ceasefire — an end to the US blockade on Iranian ports, compensation, and the removal of sanctions.