Qatar proposes nuclear inspections, strait of Hormuz reopening to Iran

Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani discussed the plan with former US President Donald Trump, though details of the conversation were not disclosed. A statement from the emir’s office emphasized the importance of dialog and diplomacy to de-escalate regional tensions.

As part of the potential agreement, the United States would lift its naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and release a portion of Iran’s $8 billion in frozen assets. In return, Iran would permit IAEA inspections based on a previous agreement reached in Cairo in September 2025. The reopening of the strait would occur in stages, with Iran collaborating with Oman to register a negotiated route with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

However, Iran has additional conditions, including an end to the war in Lebanon, a withdrawal of US forces from its coastline, sanctions relief, and war reparations. The sequencing of these commitments remains a key point of negotiation.

A proposed $300 billion reconstruction and development fund for Iran’s economic recovery was also part of the discussions, though its funding source remains unclear. Iran has expressed reluctance to allow IAEA inspectors back, citing concerns about the agency’s leadership and fears that data collected could be used for targeting purposes.

Oman is involved in parallel talks regarding the administration of the strait, including the route, its temporary nature, and registration with the IMO. Oman envisions a system where shipping companies are charged for services, not tolls.

According to Amir Hayat Moqaddam, deputy chair of the Iranian parliament’s national security and foreign policy committee, ships from China, India, Qatar, and Iraq currently have permission to transit the waterway, with Iran charging fees to Indian and Chinese vessels while allowing Qatari ships to pass freely. China provides political support, and India supplies medicine.

Data from Kpler indicates that approximately 42% of the 10.23 million barrels of Gulf crude passing through the strait in October went to China, with 13% heading to India.

Recently, the navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that two oil tankers attempting to navigate an unauthorized route in the eastern sector of the Strait of Hormuz collided with mines and caught fire. The IRGC claims the tankers disabled their identification systems and received support from US military forces.