The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated Tasnim news agency denied reports that Qatar is involved in decision-making regarding the Strait of Hormuz, stating that decisions on the waterway's future are made exclusively by Iran and Oman. According to Tasnim, Qatar's participation is limited to a mediating role and sharing views with regional countries.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-affiliated Tasnim news agency on Sunday morning issued a denial that Qatar has any decision-making authority over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that only Iran and Oman hold that authority. The statement comes a day after reports emerged of Qatari officials joining trilateral talks in Muscat, and after a senior Iranian source had already clarified that Qatar's role is limited to mediation.
On Saturday, July 11, at 17:19 Jerusalem, The Zioneer reported that Qatari officials had joined Iran-Oman talks in Muscat aimed at reopening the strait's middle passage. Shortly after, a diplomat and a regional source said the parties were discussing a joint statement on fully opening the passage. Later that day, a senior Iranian political source told Tasnim that management of the strait is solely the responsibility of Iran and Oman, and that Qatar's presence in talks is for mediation and exchange of views. Tasnim also denied a separate report claiming an international shipping route existed. The current denial by Tasnim itself, rather than an unnamed source, adds official weight to the assertion that Qatar has no decision-making role.
The conflicting signals over the strait's management follow weeks of back-and-forth. As The Zioneer reported, on June 26 Vice President Vance announced a U.S.-IRGC cooperation mechanism via Doha, which the IRGC spokesman immediately denied as a "lie." On June 30, the U.S. Energy Secretary acknowledged that the strait remains closed and tankers rely on U.S. Navy escort. The Tasnim denial reinforces Iran's position that external actors, including Qatar, have no authority over the waterway.
What remains open: The status of the Muscat talks and any potential agreement on the strait's middle passage remains unclear. The Zioneer will continue to monitor developments.
6 developments
- DevelopingBritish journalist says Iran and Oman are the sole parties to decide on Strait of Hormuz management
- StrongIRGC: US will not dictate war's end, Strait of Hormuz remains closed
- StrongIran: Strait of Hormuz management is solely Iran and Oman's responsibility, toll collection continues
- DevelopingU.S. Central Command: Iran does not control Strait of Hormuz
Source and signal
- Open-source intake