The diplomatic talks between Iran and Oman over the arrangements for the strategic Strait of Hormuz are in a critical stage, Qatar has said. During a press briefing, Majed al-Ansari, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Qatar, said that the talks are in advanced stages, adding that Doha is strongly backing all de-escalation efforts in the region.
Al-Ansari emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened as soon as possible, noting that Qatar is closely following the negotiations and is fully supportive of any diplomatic process to resolve the situation in the sea.
In addition to these diplomatic efforts, maritime security sources said there was a possible missile attack on a commercial ship in the Gulf of Oman. Initial briefings indicate a Panama-flagged container ship (Vela Nova) was targeted as it was transiting the Gulf of Oman. Maritime intelligence and security experts observed that the incident took place some 71 nautical miles from Pakistan’s coast, while regional tensions remain to have a significant effect on the critical shipping lanes linking the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz.