Saudi Arabia lines up landmark Iran-Gulf reconciliation meeting

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani visited Muscat for talks with Oman on launching negotiations involving Iran, Iraq and Gulf Arab states over the future of the Strait of Hormuz, a diplomat familiar with the discussions told Reuters.

The proposed talks are separate from ongoing U.S.-Iran peace negotiations and de-mining arrangements. Gulf Arab states are expected to advocate for maintaining free transit through the waterway, while Iran could seek environmental, navigation and security-related fees, the diplomat said.

The Strait of Hormuz, which handles nearly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has faced significant disruption since the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, affecting commercial shipping and unsettling global energy markets.

The initiative appears to be part of a memorandum of understanding signed last week, which calls for Iran to hold talks with Oman, Iraq and other Gulf states on the future management of navigation and maritime services in the strategic waterway.

The diplomat added that Pakistan has been proposed as a mediator for the negotiations.

Separately, plans are underway for regional reconciliation talks in Riyadh involving Iran, Gulf Arab states and potentially other countries in the region, he said.

By Jeyhun Aghazada