Qatari Envoys Arrive in Tehran for Peace Talks Amid Middle East Crisis

TEHRAN: A high-level Qatari delegation led by a senior adviser to Qatar’s prime minister arrived in Tehran on Friday for critical talks with senior Iranian officials, aimed at preventing a fresh escalation of hostilities across the volatile Middle East.

The diplomatic mission comes as regional mediators, including Qatar and Pakistan, intensify efforts to revive dialogue between Tehran and Washington following an April ceasefire. Tensions have mounted significantly in recent days after Iranian forces halted three oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz for alleged unauthorized crossings, while Oman rescued 25 sailors from a merchant ship set ablaze in nearby waters.

Fears of a wider regional confrontation have persisted since February 28, when joint US-Israeli strikes resulted in the death of Iran’s former supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Subsequent Iranian retaliatory strikes and maritime blockades along the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a vital conduit for global oil transit—have strained international trade and deeply divided global leaders at recent G20 summits.

Iranian state media reported that the bilateral discussions will focus on regional security, maritime safety, and diplomatic avenues to avert further military flare-ups. Senior envoys from neighboring nations are expected to maintain active diplomacy in the Iranian capital over the coming days to solidify peace efforts.