Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, said this week that Doha would be open to the possibility of Iran charging temporary fees around the Strait of Hormuz. “For certain times that they [Iran] say they will use it for mine-clearing, or some usage of the fees for a temporary time, this is something [that is] negotiable.”
This marks a breaking of ranks with the other GCC states, that have publicly rejected any such concept – Oman has stayed quiet and held talks with Iran over the strait’s management, but is unlikely to deviate from the group’s position. (CONTINUED - 231 WORDS)