Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Thursday in Tehran with his Qatari counterpart and Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. They discussed de-escalation and a proposed framework for the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The visit followed intensive diplomatic talks between Iran and officials from Oman and Pakistan aimed at ending the war in the Middle East and reopening the maritime route. Qatar, along with Pakistan, played a significant role in the April ceasefire and the June agreement between Iran and the United States, both of which have since collapsed.

Tehran has been negotiating with Oman for several weeks to establish a temporary corridor for shipping and to clear mines. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced an agreement on the two countries' share of the strait's waters and the revenues from its management.

Nevertheless, Iran insists that it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until Washington lifts the naval blockade, unfreezes Iranian assets abroad and removes oil sanctions. According to Tehran, the US blockade is also preventing the import of sufficient quantities of gasoline.

(currently.att., bak)