Qatar and Iran discuss temporary shipping corridor, mine clearance in Strait of Hormuz

Qatari Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani discussed with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, during a visit to Tehran, a proposed interim framework for the Strait of Hormuz. The plan includes establishing a joint temporary shipping corridor through the strait and launching a joint mine clearance project, as diplomatic efforts continue to ease tensions between Tehran and Washington.

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday that, in addition to the proposed interim framework, the two ministers discussed the latest regional developments and diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and creating conditions conducive to dialogue. They also explored ways to enhance regional security and stability.

During the meeting, the Qatari minister emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty of neighboring countries and ensuring freedom of navigation, stressing the need to continue diplomatic efforts to address disputes and reduce tensions through dialogue.

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For his part, the Iranian foreign minister expressed his country's appreciation for Qatar, praising its ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and support dialogue.

Qatar's initiative is part of broader diplomatic efforts involving Pakistan, Qatar, and Oman, aimed at narrowing differences and easing tensions between Tehran and Washington. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi visited Tehran days earlier to discuss the Strait of Hormuz issue.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced on Wednesday that Iran and Oman had agreed on how to share the waterway and its revenues, but a senior Iranian source later clarified that the two countries are still working out the details of the agreement.

The Iranian source stated: "No final agreement has been reached with Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz," adding that talks on the details are ongoing, according to Reuters.

A memorandum of understanding previously reached between Iran and the United States in June collapsed for several reasons, including disagreements over the Strait of Hormuz, which had carried one-fifth of the world's oil supplies before the outbreak of war on February 28.

In July, Washington resumed several strikes on Iranian territory before hostilities largely subsided. Meanwhile, the United States began increasing economic pressure on Tehran, announcing further sanctions aimed at isolating Iran from its trading partners.