Hormuz agreement crucial for US-Iran talks to resume: Qatar

DOHA, Aug 18: Qatar, a key mediator in the stalled US-Iran talks, said Tuesday that an agreement between Iran and Oman over the Strait of Hormuz would make it easier to resume negotiations to end the Middle East war.

After war broke out between the Untied States and Iran in late February, Tehran effectively shut the strait, which normally carries one fifth of the world's LNG and oil during peacetime.

Iran and Oman, both coastal states bordering the strait, have for weeks been discussing the future of navigation through the waterway, with Tehran saying the geographical coordinates of the route envisaged by both countries "have been agreed upon".

"We are also awaiting an agreement between the Sultanate of Oman and Iran regarding the Strait, which would enable us to return to the framework of negotiations," Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari told reporters.

"The agreement over the Strait of Hormuz would make it much easier for us to resume the talks between the United States and Iran," he added.

A memorandum of understanding signed between the two sides in June effectively collapsed over management of the strait.

Earlier on Tuesday, Iran's top negotiator Mohammad BagherGhalibaf said the strategic waterway will not be opened until the United States meets Tehran's demands, including lifting a naval blockade.�" AFP