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
- StrongIran: Strait of Hormuz management is solely Iran and Oman's responsibility, toll collection continues
- DevelopingCENTCOM says Iran does not control Strait of Hormuz; shipping continues as normal
- DevelopingIran's top security official: US intervention not helpful in region, only Tehran controls Strait of Hormuz
- DevelopingQatar provides no explanation for statement day after citizen killed in Hormuz clash
Source and signal
- Internal intake