Top Iranian diplomat talks with several regional counterparts over phone amid Hormuz tensions - Anadolu Ajansı

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held separate phone calls Thursday with several regional counterparts to discuss developments and diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, according to official statements.

The talks came amid escalating tensions over a US naval blockade and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, as Qatar continued mediating between Washington and Tehran.

The Iranian government said in a statement through US social media company X that Araghchi and his Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi discussed “the latest regional developments and diplomatic efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.”

The Oman News Agency also reported that Araghchi and Albusaidi stressed the need to move beyond de-escalation toward lasting agreements based on practical arrangements.

They said such measures should ensure the safety of maritime routes, bring the state of war to an end, and prevent renewed hostilities in the region.

The strait, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, carrying large volumes of oil and gas exports from Gulf countries to international markets.

Separately, Albusaidi and Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar discussed recent regional and international developments in a phone call Thursday, according to a statement by the Pakistani Foreign Ministry.

They emphasized the importance of continued dialogue and diplomatic engagement to promote regional peace and stability, the statement said.

Later Thursday, Araghchi held other separate phone calls with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry.

The ministry said on Telegram that the discussions focused on regional developments and the latest diplomatic efforts aimed at establishing stability in the region.

Araghchi also spoke with Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi over the phone, the ministry said in a separate statement.

During the conversation, Araghchi offered condolences over the death of Safadi’s mother, and the two ministers exchanged views on recent regional developments.

Iran said Monday it was still exchanging messages with the US through mediators and that reopening the waterway depended on Washington ending the blockade.

The US and Israel launched attacks against Iran on Feb. 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate against Israel and US assets in the region before a ceasefire was reached in April.

Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz on June 18, but its implementation stalled over disagreements concerning security arrangements.