Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Thursday on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
اضافة اعلان
Al Thani and Araghchi reviewed the latest regional developments and efforts to de-escalate tensions and create conditions conducive to dialogue, in a way that would contribute to strengthening regional security and stability.
The two officials discussed a proposed interim framework that includes establishing a temporary joint shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz and agreeing to implement a joint project to clear mines from the waterway.
Al Thani stressed the need to respect the sovereignty of neighboring states and freedom of navigation, emphasizing the importance of continuing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and address disputes through dialogue.
Araghchi, for his part, thanked Qatar for its continued diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and supporting dialogue.
The talks come as the United States has expanded the scope of secondary sanctions that can be imposed on entities and countries maintaining trade ties with Iran worldwide, as part of Washington’s “Economic Outcast” campaign against Tehran, amid a sharp escalation in U.S. economic pressure as the war approaches its sixth month.
On June 18, 2026, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as a step toward reaching a final agreement. Implementation, however, stalled over disagreements concerning the security of the strait.
Between July 8 and 24, the United States resumed attacks on Iran, while Tehran responded by targeting countries in the region, before talks resumed over safe shipping corridors through the Strait of Hormuz.
The United States subsequently reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz following renewed clashes, described as the most intense since the ceasefire between the two sides took effect in April.
Iran warned that the resumption of the U.S. naval blockade on its ports would undermine the memorandum of understanding reached with Washington.
The war began on February 28, when Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran, prompting Tehran to close the Strait of Hormuz, which before the war served as the main waterway for nearly one-fifth of global energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the main flashpoints in the conflict. Iran’s control over the strategic waterway has given Tehran significant leverage, effectively providing it with a major pressure tool.
