Qatar Leads Diplomatic Push to End Iran-US War, Reopen Hormuz

Qatar says diplomatic efforts are underway with Oman and Pakistan to de-escalate the conflict between Iran and the United States and facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, said on Tuesday that continued fighting was worsening tensions across the region and warned against accepting the near-closure of the strategic waterway as a new normal.

“Escalation does not benefit anyone,” Al-Ansari said, urging all sides to exercise restraint and return to negotiations.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which about a quarter of global seaborne trade previously passed, has seen shipping activity fall sharply since the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran on February 28.

The United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, while Iran has been accused of laying mines and attacking tankers in the waterway. The disruption has contributed to a sharp rise in energy prices, creating economic pressure around the world.

Iran and Oman have held discussions over establishing a temporary route through the strait. However, Tehran reportedly wants Washington to first return to a memorandum of understanding reached in June.

Qatar, which has also suffered economic consequences from the conflict, has continued to call for a diplomatic solution. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani visited Tehran last week as part of efforts to encourage dialogue.

Al-Ansari said the visit was intended to support mediation and help prevent another escalation.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high across the wider region. Israel has continued military operations in Gaza, Syria and Lebanon, while violence and attacks by Israeli settlers have increased in the occupied West Bank.

Al-Ansari accused Israel of using the conflict with Iran to establish what he described as “a new reality” in Palestinian, Lebanese and Syrian territories, warning that this could trigger further regional escalation.

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