Qatar's PM meets Iran's foreign minister as Hormuz tanker attack reported
Qatari PM Al Thani met Iran's FM in Tehran as a tanker was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, with Doha urging de-escalation.
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, arrived in Tehran on Thursday for talks with Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi. The visit is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The meeting came on the same day that the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an oil tanker had been struck in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the British military-run agency, local authorities said the vessel was hit by an unknown projectile on Tuesday in waters between Oman and Iran, causing a fire onboard. The crew was reported safe, with no environmental damage noted.
No details of the Tehran meeting were released by Iranian media. However, Qatar's Foreign Ministry stated on X that the visit aimed to discuss "ways to de-escalate tensions & create the conditions conducive to dialogue." Earlier, Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said the talks would also address "freedom of navigation" in the Strait of Hormuz and the need to return to the prewar status quo.
The reported attack underscores the persistent danger for vessels transiting the waterway, which remains under Iranian control. Iran has periodically fired at ships to enforce its authority over the strait, though no group has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's incident. The U.S. has also conducted strikes on vessels as part of its blockade of Iranian ports.
Oman and Iran are reportedly in the final stages of talks on a plan to manage shipping traffic through the strait, even as the latest attack highlights the fragility of maritime security in the region.