Qatari PM, Saudi FM discuss regional developments, de-escalation efforts over phone

Doha, July 26 (AHN) Qatari Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Sunday held a phone call with the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud on the latest regional developments and efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Sheikh Mohammed stressed the need to adhere to dialogue and diplomacy, implement the US-Iran peace Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and ensure the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard regional security and stability, according to a statement issued by Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Xinhua news agency reported.

He also reaffirmed Qatar's full support for all efforts aimed at easing tensions and reaching a comprehensive agreement to achieve lasting peace in the region, the statement said, Xinhua news agency reported.

The two Ministers also reviewed bilateral ties and discussed ways to deepen cooperation, it added.

The phone call came amid escalating regional tensions following recent exchanges of airstrikes between the US and Iran, as well as the emergence of a new Red Sea front involving Yemen's Houthis and Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Iran and Oman held several rounds of technical talks in Tehran to discuss arrangements for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said on Sunday that the talks were "useful and forward-looking" and progress had been made.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Baqaei added that the talks were held on Friday and Saturday at the level of Deputy Foreign Ministers, during which they discussed common principles and practical mechanisms for ensuring safe maritime traffic through the strategic waterway while respecting the sovereign rights of the two littoral states, Iran's official Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) reported.

Baqaei added that Oman delegation left Iran on Saturday. However, the two nations would continue the technical and political consultations.

When asked regarding the current situation about navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said that there had been no change in the status of maritime traffic in the waterway, IRNA reported.