WANA (Jun 24) – Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, stated on Wednesday that establishing a direct communication channel between Tehran and Washington is essential to prevent potential obstacles in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Speaking during an official visit to Oman, Al Thani outlined a broader regional goal to build a new collective security framework involving regional states and Iran. He also noted that Persian Gulf nations might be requested to contribute to a proposed joint investment fund with Iran in the future.

 

The Qatari Prime Minister arrived in Oman on Tuesday for high-level talks regarding regional developments, coinciding with newly reached maritime agreements between Tehran and Muscat concerning navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

“The Strait of Hormuz remains open, and we have confirmed it will not be closed,” Al Thani clarified, adding that maritime traffic is anticipated to return to normal levels within 30 days of signing the agreement.

 

US-Iran Communication Vital for Strait Operations

The Prime Minister emphasized the necessity of a reliable communication channel to mitigate misunderstandings during upcoming maritime operations.

 

“An agreed communication channel established in Switzerland is vital to counter false and misleading information,” Al Thani said. “This channel between Tehran and Washington will also be critical during minesweeping operations in the Strait.”

 

He added that QatarEnergy will maintain its state of emergency until safe and sustainable operations are fully guaranteed in the strategic waterway.

 

$300 Billion Joint Investment Fund

Commenting on economic initiatives, Al Thani described a proposed $300 billion joint investment fund with Iran as “ambitious,” noting that Persian Gulf Arab states may eventually be asked to help finance the initiative to foster regional economic integration.

 

Regarding Israel’s recent military escalations, the Prime Minister criticized its response, stating that “Israel reacts disproportionately rather than taking steps toward de-escalation.”

 

However, he noted that a mechanism to prevent a wider conflict in Lebanon—predicated on a ceasefire—remains functional. “Escalation in Lebanon has been averted through close coordination between Beirut, Washington, Tehran, and international mediators,” he said.

 

Al Thani further stated that the ongoing Swiss-mediated talks have laid the groundwork for permanent crisis-resolution negotiations, though the process remains in its early stages.

 

“Any model for managing the Strait of Hormuz must be discussed collectively with Iran, Oman, and the Persian Gulf states,” he asserted, adding firmly that Doha would oppose any Iranian proposals to impose transit fees on vessels navigating the Strait. He also affirmed that Qatar is continuing its mediation efforts with Pakistan to reach a final agreement.

 

Strategic Context

The Qatari official’s diplomatic mission to Oman—a nation historically central to US-Iran mediation—comes immediately after Muscat and Tehran agreed on Tuesday to form a joint working group. The committee is tasked with continuous dialogue aimed at securing a future management agreement for maritime operations and related services in the Strait of Hormuz.

 

The diplomatic push arrives at a critical juncture for global trade. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of global oil consumption passes, making it arguably the world’s most critical transit route for energy and goods moving between the Persian Gulf and international markets.

 

Iran and Oman jointly oversee their respective territorial waters within the Strait, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.