DOHA: Qatar has proposed a new diplomatic formula to resolve the conflict between Iran and the United States and ease regional tensions, it was reported on Saturday.
According to a report published by foreign media, Qatar is seeking to persuade Iran to allow United Nations nuclear inspectors to visit its nuclear facilities, including sites damaged by US bombing and those holding its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
The proposed arrangement would require the US to immediately lift its naval blockade on Iran in the Strait of Hormuz and release part of Tehran’s $8 billion in frozen assets.
In return, Iran would allow inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to visit its damaged nuclear facilities.
Tehran would also reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz on the second day of the proposed arrangement.
The proposed formula does not require Iran to transfer its enriched uranium stockpile outside the country. However, reducing its enrichment level through a process known as down-blending is among the options under consideration.
The proposal could pave the way for restoring shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital international trade route, providing passage for about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG), while creating an opportunity for further diplomatic negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
However, no final agreement has been reached on allowing international inspectors access to Iran’s nuclear facilities.
According to the report, Tehran remains wary of allowing UN inspectors back into the country, fearing that sensitive information gathered during inspections could be passed on to the United States and Israel and potentially used to identify targets.
Iran has also raised concerns about the credibility of the IAEA’s inspection leadership following the US strikes on its nuclear facilities.
Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani has also discussed the proposal with US President Donald Trump, according to the report. The Qatari emir emphasised the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to resolve disputes and prevent further escalation in the region.
The proposed arrangement comes amid continuing efforts by regional mediators to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran and restore stability to the strategically important Gulf region.
