Qatar says reopening Strait of Hormuz unconditionally is a priority amid mediation efforts
Qatar says reopening the Strait of Hormuz without conditions is a top priority as it continues diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the more than six-month US-Iran war. The comments came as Doha said it is working with partners on new ideas to help resolve the conflict and restore regional stability. The strait is one of the world's most important energy transit routes, making any disruption a matter of wider concern.
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A spokesperson for Qatar's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that "new ideas are being discussed" between Qatar and other mediators. Ibrahim Al Hashmi, director of the ministry's media department, said it was "not acceptable at all" to have a situation of "no war and no peace", adding that this was not beneficial to the region or its people. He said Qatar is working "hard with its partners, including China" and that diplomatic efforts are under way.
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Tuesday. According to Qatar, the two discussed strengthening regional security and stability, as well as possible solutions to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The prime minister later said the meeting was fruitful and that the two sides reviewed regional and international developments.
The remarks underline the continuing diplomatic effort around a conflict that has already affected regional security and shipping. Qatar said the opening of the strait is a priority not only for Doha but for countries across the region. The issue also carries economic significance because the waterway is a key route for energy exports and commercial traffic.
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The Foreign Ministry spokesperson said the most important factor is political will from both sides, referring to Iran and the United States. He said Qatar and other regional states are keen for the strait to reopen unconditionally. The comments suggest that mediation efforts remain focused on finding a formula that can reduce tensions without waiting for a broader settlement.
The same briefing also touched on the war in Yemen, where fighting has escalated and Houthi attacks have spread to Saudi territory. Al Hashmi said Qatar condemned attacks on civilian institutions in Abha, Jizan, Najran and Khamis Mushait, and warned that such attacks have injured civilians and disrupted shipments in the Red Sea. What remains unclear is whether the latest discussions in Beijing will produce any concrete breakthrough, and whether the parties to the US-Iran war are prepared to make the political concessions Qatar says are needed.
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