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Iran, Qatar Discuss Ways to De-escalate Tensions, Temporary Joint Shipping Corridor Via Hormuz

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Iran and Qatar on Thursday discussed ways to create conducive conditions for dialogue to de-escalate tensions in the region and the formation of a temporary joint shipping corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani met Iran Foreign Affairs Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in Tehran on Thursday.

"Discussion during the meeting dealt with the latest developments in the region and the efforts to de-escalate tensions and create a conducive environment for dialogue, thereby contributing to the enhancement of regional security and stability," the statement said.

The meeting also covered the ongoing talks regarding the proposed interim framework, including a temporary joint shipping corridor through the Hormuz strait and a joint project to clear mines from the waterway.

During the meeting, Al-Thani emphasized on the need to respect neighboring countries' sovereignty and freedom of navigation and called for continued diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and resolve disputes through dialogue, the statement added.

According to multiple media reports on Wednesday, citing comments made by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to Iranian media, Iran reached a deal with Oman over shared control of the Strait of Hormuz and revenues from it.

"The Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran and Oman, which is in front of us. We entered into negotiations with Oman about a month ago and we have reached results that have been accepted by both sides," IRGC spokesman General Hossein Mohebbi said in a statement, IRGC-linked Sepah News reported Wednesday.

Mohebbi said the negotiations established each country's share of the strait's waters and the respective portions of revenue generated from the waterway.

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