Qatar Says Iran-Oman Talks Reach Advanced Stage, Hope for Reopening of Strait of Hormuz

JAKARTA - Qatar as one of the mediators on Tuesday stated that negotiations between Iran and Oman regarding the regulation of the Strait of Hormuz had reached "advanced stages," while expressing hope that the strategic waterway could be reopened "as soon as possible."

At a news conference, Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said the talks were at a "crucial point."

Al-Ansari on the occasion stressed that Doha supports all efforts aimed at easing tensions in the region.

"As mediators, we want the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened as soon as possible," Al-Ansari said, launching Anadolu (12/8).

He said Qatar continued to monitor the negotiations closely and remained supportive of diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement.

It is known that Iran and Oman have been negotiating legal and technical arrangements for sailing through the strait after maritime traffic was disrupted due to the military conflict between Iran and the US.

Tehran said the reopening of the route depended on resolving a dispute over what it called US violations of a June memorandum of understanding.