Iran Asserts Control Over Strait of Hormuz Ahead of Qatar Talks

Iran has reiterated its determination to control maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, escalating pressure ahead of renewed peace negotiations in Qatar aimed at ending its war with the U.S.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi told state television that Tehran seeks an agreement with Oman to oversee vessels passing through the vital waterway.

Iran will proceed with its own plans if Oman refuses to cooperate, Gharibabadi said.

"We have warned the Omanis that other countries have no right to interfere in this matter," the deputy minister added.

Doha Negotiations

The stance casts a shadow over upcoming peace talks in Doha, Qatar. The White House indicated that Steve Witkoff, Donald Trump’s special envoy, and Jared Kushner will attend the Tuesday meetings.

Iran maintains it has no plans for direct bilateral meetings with the U.S. delegation.

Gharibabadi stated Iranian officials will instead work through Qatari interlocutors to follow up on a recent interim memorandum of understanding.

Dispute Over Transit Fees

The conflict began in late February following a U.S.-Israeli bombardment of Iran.

Tehran subsequently declared its intent to manage the chokepoint, which handles one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

Iranian proposals include implementing shipping fees. This mechanism is strongly opposed by the U.S., European nations, and most Gulf Arab states.

Oman, a U.S. ally that maintains close relations with Tehran, faces pressure from Washington to reject any tolling system.

Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq met with French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday, and both leaders agreed to ensure freedom of navigation without restrictions.

However, Omani officials previously indicated to European counterparts that fees could be levied for services such as de-polluting the strait or navigational assistance.

Ceasefire Under Strain

An interim agreement signed two weeks ago stipulated a 60-day pause on Iranian tolls but left the door open for future charges.

Shipping traffic has increased since the deal was struck, though volumes remain below pre-war levels.

Recent Iranian attacks on vessels prompted skirmishes with U.S. forces, threatening the fragile ceasefire.

Trump declined to predict a diplomatic breakthrough on Monday, emphasizing that his primary focus is the denuclearization of Iran.

"The meeting in Doha is going to be perhaps important, perhaps not," Trump said.

He added that the U.S. is winning militarily and intends to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

Global Energy Concerns

The prospect of transit fees has alarmed Western and Gulf Arab governments.

Officials fear the charges will inflate global energy costs and establish a concerning precedent for international waters.

Despite the recent attacks, oil tankers continue to transit the waterway.

Three inbound tankers approached the strait late Monday, and two successfully departed, according to ship-tracking data.

Two additional oil supertankers were preparing to leave the Persian Gulf.