Qatar urges Iran to engage with Pakistan-led mediation, reopen Hormuz

Qatar urged Iran on Monday to engage with Pakistan-led mediation efforts to end the war in the region and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by Tehran since March 2.

Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani conveyed the message during a phone call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi following the end of Pakistan-mediated talks between Washington and Tehran without an agreement.

The call reviewed “the latest developments related to the ceasefire and the need to consolidate it in a way that enhances security and stability in the region,” the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed “the need for all parties to respond to ongoing mediation efforts,” adding that engagement would help address the root causes of the crisis through dialogue and lead to a lasting agreement that prevents renewed escalation.

He also emphasized “the need to open maritime corridors, ensure freedom of navigation, and avoid using them as tools of pressure or bargaining.”

On Sunday, US President Donald Trump announced a naval blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz.

Separately, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it started to block maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports.

CENTCOM said the blockade would be enforced “impartially against vessels of all nations” at Iranian ports in the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, while adding that freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to non-Iranian ports would not be affected.

The Qatari premier warned of “the negative consequences” of closing waterways on regional countries, global energy and food supplies, and international peace and security.

The call came a day after face-to-face talks between US and Iranian delegations in Islamabad, Pakistan, ended without an agreement.

Both sides have traded blame for the failure to reach a deal, and it remains unclear whether they will hold another round of talks during a two-week truce announced last week.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio