Qatar Calls US Sanctions on Iran Unilateral, Urges Hormuz De-escalation

Qatar has described the latest US economic sanctions on Iran as unilateral, with the Qatari Foreign Ministry saying Doha will continue its mediation efforts to prevent further escalation. A ministry spokesperson warned that any additional escalation could have broader consequences for the international community and stressed that reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains Qatar’s top priority.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Gharibabadi said Iran and Oman are the only coastal countries of the Strait of Hormuz, adding that there had been no major issues concerning the waterway before the recent wars. He said Iran’s strategic focus shifted toward the strait after the 40-day war, while clarifying that the agreement with Oman was not intended to immediately reopen Hormuz from the following day. Gharibabadi said ships had passed through Omani waters for 58 years, causing significant losses to Iran, and explained that under the agreement with Oman, the route into the Persian Gulf would pass through Iranian waters, while the route out would pass through Omani territorial waters.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said talks with Pakistani and Omani guests had emphasized regional solutions. He described a proposed new corridor, mine clearance and a framework for the future management of the Strait of Hormuz as examples of regional cooperation. Araghchi stressed that Iran would continue sustained diplomacy with neighboring countries to promote peace and stability. He also held a telephone conversation with Qatar’s Foreign Minister, during which the two sides discussed the regional situation and bilateral issues.