As navigation traffic resumes partially in the Strait of Hormuz following a recent memorandum of understanding between Iran and the U.S., and ongoing talks through joint working groups, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized the necessity of establishing a direct hotline between Washington and Tehran. This would prevent unregulated entities from obstructing the reopening of the strait, while also expecting Qatar to resume natural gas production normally “within a few weeks.”
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, speaking to the Financial Times, explained that the communication line agreed upon during their meetings in Switzerland is “vital for countering misinformation and ensuring coordination during demining operations in this crucial maritime passage.”
He pointed out the challenge that anyone could exploit maritime navigation communications to falsely warn ships, stating: “Turn back, we will fire, we are the Iranian Revolutionary Guard.” He added, “This is what we occasionally face... Therefore, the communication line aims to verify any threat a ship receives from the Iranian side... and ensure its safe passage.”
When asked about potential divisions within Iran, he remarked, “There will always be individuals who dislike the agreement and others who will attempt to sabotage it. This occurs in any conflict with any party.”
Reopening the strait is a fundamental element of the memorandum signed on June 18, within the ongoing U.S.-Iran talks through intermediaries, as well as President Donald Trump's efforts to mitigate the global energy crisis.
Iran has already been gradually reopening the strait, with no fees for ships, immediately after signing the memorandum with the U.S. last week for a 60-day period, initiating demining within the first 30 days of the ceasefire extension.
The strategic maritime passage was closed following the outbreak of war on February 28 between Iran, and the U.S., and Israel, stranding over 1,200 cargo ships carrying goods valued at approximately $125 billion, according to new data released by Allianz Insurance on Wednesday.
Moreover, data from the International Maritime Organization reported that over 40 ships were hit by missiles, resulting in 14 seamen casualties during the conflict.
Notably, prior to the conflict, about 135 ships transited daily through the strait, alongside one-fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies. Its closure has severely disrupted energy markets and pushed oil prices above $100 per barrel.