Qatar urges Iran to end threats to the region and reopen the Strait of Hormuz
A Qatari foreign ministry spokesman on Tuesday called on Iran to show goodwill by ending threats against regional states and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Doha, together with Pakistan, is mediating to help secure a deal between the US and Iran.
Qatar on Tuesday, 27 October, urged Iran to "show goodwill" by halting threats against countries in the region and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for Gulf oil and gas exports. The appeal comes as mediation continues to broker a deal between the United States and Iran, following a war that began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.
Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashmi, director of the foreign ministry's Media and Communication Department, told a weekly briefing in Doha that positive statements had been heard from Iran, but that Tehran still needed to demonstrate goodwill. He said a recent Qatari delegation visit to Tehran was part of mediation carried out with Pakistan and other regional partners. Asked whether the delegation had brought a new proposal, he said messages and ideas were still being exchanged with both sides. He gave no details of any proposal, and no breakthrough was announced.
Al Hashmi said both Washington and Tehran had spoken of further escalation as well as of a possible diplomatic solution. "The mediator always holds on to this window of hope," he said.
Regional security talks
On Monday, Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman, Pakistan's army chief Asim Munir and Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin met Iranian leaders in Tehran. The three countries signed the Mecca mutual defence pact in August. Iranian state media reported that all four countries agreed to continue talks on peace and security.
Al Hashmi said Qatar and its Gulf neighbours were ready to take part in a regional security framework based on respect for sovereignty and a commitment not to attack one another. He added that Saudi Arabia's efforts complemented those of Qatar and Pakistan.
The talks come as Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis continue to attack Saudi Arabia. Egypt's parliament on Monday authorised military support to help defend the kingdom.
Differences over the terms
The US and Iran remain divided over a deal. Tehran wants the US blockade of its ports lifted and sanctions on Iranian oil exports removed, while Washington demands that Iran reduce nuclear enrichment.
Iranian shipping restrictions and the US blockade have severely disrupted traffic through Hormuz. Last week Brent crude rose above $117 (€105) a barrel, its highest level since April, after Iranian attacks on tankers near the strait. According to ANZ research, crude flows through Hormuz were about 60% of normal.
