Doha, Qatar: Negotiations between Oman and Iran on reopening the Strait of Hormuz have reached “a critical point,” with positive feedback received from both countries, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari said yesterday.
He added that the Oman-Iran have indicated that the talks have entered the technical stage, with Iran preparing an official announcement.
“The situation is highly sensitive and at a critical point. We greatly appreciate the efforts being made by the Sultanate of Oman,” Dr. Al Ansari said during the weekly press briefing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“We have heard positive statements from both capitals in the past couple of days, and we are eagerly awaiting [the outcome]. Our main priority here is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining the ceasefire and making sure that we are able to push forward towards negotiations.”
“We look to this quite positively, and we are looking to see what will transpire over time,” he added.
“We are closely following, as you are, the ongoing talks between the Sultanate of Oman and Iran.”
Regarding the Gulf position on Iranian remarks concerning the Strait of Hormuz, Dr. Al Ansari emphasised that the priority is to restore the situation at the Strait to what it was before the crisis erupted.
He stressed that what matters most is ensuring freedom of maritime navigation, noting that Qatar would support any regional understandings that help protect the security of the Strait and ensure freedom of navigation in accordance with international law.
In response to a question about the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement signed on August 7, 2026, in Mecca by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye, Dr. Al Ansari welcomed any regional cooperation that contributes to strengthening security and stability.
“I have always emphasised the importance of stability and cooperation among the countries of the region. We enjoy close and strategic relations with them, relations based on a common destiny and shared interests, particularly with regard to regional security and global security in general.
“Therefore, we welcome this step by the countries and view positively any defensive framework based on genuine cooperation.”
Regarding the impact of US economic pressure on Iran and its implications for de-escalation efforts, Dr. Al Ansari said the immediate priority is to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and support the current path of negotiations, reaffirming that talks among the relevant parties are still ongoing.
He stressed that any delay in reaching an agreement would not serve efforts to promote stability, noting that Qatar, in its capacity as a contributing party to the mediation efforts, seeks to see the Strait reopened as soon as possible, while leaving official remarks and declarations regarding the negotiations to the relevant parties.
Regarding Gaza, Dr. Al Ansari said Israel’s rejection of the peace plan for the Gaza Strip represents a continuation of what he described as foot-dragging in implementing agreements reached since the beginning of efforts to secure a ceasefire.
He added that Qatar hopes the international community will exert pressure to ensure the implementation of the second phase of the agreement.
“Qatar continues to work with its partners in the international community to ensure the transition to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement based on the plan declared by the US President,” he said.
