Qatar urges swift deal on Strait of Hormuz as talks stall

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman, Majed al Ansari, said on Tuesday that no agreement has yet been reached on the Strait of Hormuz, while expressing hope that the US and Iran will reach a deal "as soon as possible" Source: infobae. He stressed that mediators cannot set a fixed timeline, as an agreement will come when the parties themselves agree Source: diariolibree.

Mediation efforts

Al Ansari said Qatar is working with Oman and Pakistan to exchange ideas and proposals between Washington and Tehran, and that "the whole region is now working together" to prevent further escalation Source: euronewses. He confirmed that draft texts for a possible agreement are being circulated among the parties, though he declined to comment on any specific document Source: euronewses. The immediate priority is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restore direct contacts between the two sides Source: euronewses.

Conflicting claims

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that Washington is in talks "at Iran's request," with support from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, calling it Iran's "last chance" to reach a deal Source: infobae. However, Iranian diplomatic sources deny any negotiations with the US, saying they are only in contact with Oman regarding safe transit through the strait Source: diariolibree. Al Ansari noted that no direct talks are planned, but mediators continue to relay ideas Source: euronewses.

Key points

• A US-Iran memorandum of understanding was signed on June 17, but cross-attacks resumed, leading Tehran to close the strait and Trump to reimpose a naval blockade Source: infobae.
• Before the war, about 20% of global crude oil passed through the strait Source: diariolibree.
• Al Ansari rejected "politicization of the strait and its use as a tool of pressure" Source: infobae.