The risk of confrontation remains, however. Iran accuses the United States of imposing a maritime blockade, while incidents involving oil tankers and attacks targeting Saudi Arabia have raised further concerns.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday hosted a meeting in Istanbul with his counterparts from Britain, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Egypt. The agenda included the situation in Palestine, developments in Yemen, security in the Strait of Hormuz, and efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The meeting was expected to emphasize diplomatic solutions, freedom of navigation, and closer regional security cooperation.
On Thursday, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani spoke by phone with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the situation in the Middle East and diplomatic efforts to ease tensions. Qatar expressed support for efforts to ensure freedom of navigation and reach a lasting peace agreement. The US reaffirmed its commitment to Qatar’s security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
