DOHA, Aug. 18– Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said Tuesday that ongoing regional efforts are focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and returning to the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU).
Speaking at a weekly media briefing, Ansari said the latest escalation included “the violation of the ceasefire and the tensions at the Strait of Hormuz,” adding that efforts are focused on ensuring a return to what was stipulated in the MoU.
Al Ansari said Qatar is still awaiting an agreement between Oman and Iran regarding the strait, which he said would help pave the way for a return to negotiations.
“The only way to move forward is a ceasefire, the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and going back to normal or freedom of navigation and going back to the negotiations,” he said.
Iran and Oman have been in talks in recent months over the navigation arrangements through the Strait of Hormuz.
On Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said the two countries have agreed on the map of the new route for maritime traffic in the waterway, and are expected to finalize the agreement in the form of a package comprising the map and a joint statement. (Namibia Daily News / Xinhua)
