Qatar Says Iran-Oman Talks on Reopening Strait of Hormuz at Advanced Stage

Qatar has indicated that negotiations between Iran and Oman over the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz are at an advanced and critical stage, expressing cautious optimism while reiterating the need to restore freedom of navigation in the vital waterway.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing in Doha, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majid al-Ansari said that positive statements have emerged from both Tehran and Muscat in recent days. He stressed that Doha's primary concern is the reopening of the strait, maintaining the ceasefire, and advancing toward a broader negotiation.

"We support every effort to reduce the escalation," al-Ansari said, adding that Qatar is meticulously following the progress of the talks between Oman and Iran. He described Qatar's position as firm, with the minimum requirement being a return to freedom of maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in accordance with international law.

The spokesperson also cautioned against the political exploitation of the strait, which he said had occurred during the current crisis. He called for the situation in the Gulf to be restored to its pre-war state.

The negotiations come after Iran effectively closed the strait following attacks by the United States and Israel on February 28. The waterway, through which roughly one-fifth of the world's traded oil supplies passed before the conflict, has seen its closure impact global energy markets and become a major political issue in Washington ahead of November's midterm elections.

Any potential deal appears contingent on the United States lifting its naval blockade on Iranian ports, a condition Tehran has insisted upon. The Trump administration has previously ruled out any agreement that would grant Iran control over the strait.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claimed that Iran had "astonished the whole world" in the war, asserting that the country had proven itself to be a "tough and invincible power." Iran has refused to back down on its demands regarding the blockade and other conditions before considering reopening the strait.