Qatari Prime Minister visits Oman for Strait of Hormuz talks involving Iran and Gulf states
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MUSCAT, Oman, June 24 — Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani visited Muscat on Wednesday for talks with Oman on initiating negotiations involving Iran, Iraq and Gulf Arab states over the Strait of Hormuz, according to a diplomat briefed on the discussions.
The talks are separate from U.S.-Iran peace negotiations and de-mining arrangements.
Gulf states are expected to push for no transit fees, while Iran could propose environmental, navigation and security fees, the diplomat said.
The move appears to implement a provision of the memorandum of understanding signed last week, which calls for Iran to hold talks with Oman, other Gulf states and Iraq on the future management of navigation and maritime services in the strait.
Pakistan has been proposed as mediator for the talks, the diplomat said.
Separately, regional reconciliation talks are planned in Riyadh between Iran, Gulf Arab states and possibly other regional countries, according to the diplomat.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, has been heavily disrupted since the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, curbing commercial shipping and rattling global energy markets.
Earlier on Wednesday, Oman announced two temporary routes north and south of the existing shipping lane to help vessels leave the region safely in coordination with the International Maritime Organization.
Under the phased plan, vessels will be grouped and contacted individually with instructions on when to depart and which route to follow.
Oman said shipowners and masters remain responsible for independent risk assessments before voyages. Vessels must keep their Automatic Identification System active during transit and report navigational hazards to the Oman Maritime Security Centre.
Oman also said no tolls would be imposed on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, in line with the outcome of recent talks between the United States and Iran.
Source: Reuters
