Hormuz Crisis: Qatar Intensifies Mediation As Iran-U.S. Talks Remain Uncertain
By ALIYU AMINU ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI (A. A. A. A.) SHEHU
QATAR says it is stepping up diplomatic efforts with regional partners to end the crisis surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said Doha was consulting with Oman, Pakistan and other mediation partners to find a diplomatic solution.
He said the consultations followed a series of diplomatic visits and discussions held in recent days. However, Qatar has yet to announce a concrete breakthrough.
Al Ansari said the results of the ongoing engagements would be disclosed in the coming days.
Qatar wants the diplomatic process to produce an agreement that guarantees the Strait of Hormuz remains open. It also wants the arrangement to allow products from the region to reach global markets without disruption.
Beyond trade, Doha said the solution must improve regional security and promote long-term prosperity and stability.
Qatar’s intervention comes amid continuing uncertainty over the wider conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
The conflict escalated sharply on 28 February after Israel and the United States launched joint strikes against Tehran and other Iranian cities. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and U.S. military bases and assets in the region.
At the same time, Iran tightened its control over the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway is critical to international energy and trade flows. Any prolonged disruption could therefore have consequences far beyond the Middle East.
In an effort to end the conflict, the United States and Iran signed a peace memorandum of understanding on 18 June. The agreement required the two countries to negotiate within 60 days toward a final settlement.
That deadline expired on 17 August.
Since then, the future of the negotiations has remained uncertain. Qatar is now working with its mediation partners to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
For Doha, reopening the strait is central to any sustainable resolution. It is also pressing for a diplomatic outcome that can improve regional security while restoring confidence in the movement of goods through the vital waterway.
