Efforts to consolidate the recent US–Iran understanding faced fresh challenges on Wednesday, as disputes over the future management of the Strait of Hormuz and the implementation of a ceasefire in Lebanon exposed deep differences among regional and international actors.
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that Doha had received assurances no order had been issued to close the strategic waterway. He told the Financial Times that maritime traffic should gradually return to normal levels within 30 days of the agreement reached between Washington and Tehran.
Al Thani stressed that any future arrangement governing the strait must be discussed with Iran, Oman, and the Gulf states, warning against any scenario in which a single party controls one of the world’s most important shipping routes.
“We cannot accept a situation in which our gateway to the world is under the control of one side,” he said, adding that Qatar would oppose any Iranian plan to impose transit fees on vessels passing through Hormuz.
He also revealed that a direct communication channel established between Washington and Tehran during the Swiss talks would play a key role in countering misinformation and coordinating efforts related to mine clearance and the restoration of maritime traffic. He said discussions on a proposed $300bn investment fund involving Iran were still at an early stage and could eventually require Gulf participation.
The remarks came as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio began a Gulf tour in the United Arab Emirates, where he reiterated Washington’s position that the Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and that no country has the right to impose fees or taxes on vessels using it.
Iran, however, signalled its intention to play a central role in shaping the strait’s future. Iranian parliamentary and legal affairs official Hossein Noshabadi said a recent visit by chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to Oman carried a clear message that conditions in Hormuz would not return to their pre-war status. He said the management of the strait and regulation of navigation fall under the responsibility of Iran and Oman.
A joint Iranian–Omani statement issued on Tuesday affirmed both countries’ commitment to ensuring safe navigation in accordance with international law and announced the formation of a joint working group to discuss future management of maritime traffic and related services.
Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization said ships had already begun transiting the strait under a newly established departure plan. Shipping data indicated that at least three commercial vessels had passed through Hormuz during the previous 12 hours.
While Hormuz dominated the economic dimension of the negotiations, Lebanon emerged as the principal political and security challenge.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel would not withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon even if requested to do so by the United States. “Even if there is an American demand, the Israeli army will not withdraw from southern Lebanon,” he said.
His comments contrasted with reports from Israel’s Channel 13, which said Israel was preparing for a partial withdrawal under a US-backed plan that would involve training Lebanese soldiers and ensuring that only the Lebanese army, rather than Hezbollah, operates in areas vacated by Israeli forces.
At the same time, Reuters reported that the European Union is considering a three-year civilian and military mission to train and advise the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces. According to a draft proposal, the mission would focus on border security, intelligence, surveillance, and maritime security capabilities.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Beirut remains engaged in discussions aimed at securing a full Israeli withdrawal. “We will not accept five points, nor even two points,” he said, referring to Israeli military positions in southern Lebanon. He also reiterated support for extending state authority across all Lebanese territory and implementing longstanding commitments regarding the state’s monopoly over arms.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, ruled out any negotiations over Iran’s missile program, insisting that Tehran’s defensive capabilities were not part of the memorandum of understanding and never would be. He also rejected external pressure over uranium enrichment, saying Iran would not retreat from what it considers a sovereign right.