Qatar sent mediators back to Tehran on Friday, Oct. 30, as Washington and Iran remained divided over talks, while a reported tanker strike and Etihad cancellations underscored Gulf transport risks. An official briefed on the talks told Reuters that Doha coordinated the mission with Washington. Iran’s official IRNA news agency said the visitors would discuss ties between the countries and regional developments.
Reuters reported that U.S. officials want nuclear questions included at the start of negotiations, while Tehran wants the U.S. port blockade lifted and oil-export sanctions removed before talks. The New York Times reported that a meeting could be pursued in Qatar or Turkey in the coming week, subject to Iran’s agreement; officials have announced no date or venue.
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said it received a ship security officer’s report that a projectile hit a tanker leaving the Strait of Hormuz at noon ET (1600 UTC) Oct. 29. Its alert listed no crew injuries or environmental effects at the time. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard separately claimed mines set three oil tankers ablaze as they crossed what Tehran called an unauthorized route. The Associated Press reported that Iran had not disclosed the vessels’ identities and the claim was unconfirmed.
A U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) statement dated Oct. 25 credited U.S. forces with helping Gulf partners send crude to export markets, with shipments since summer exceeding 1.5 billion barrels. It also said U.S. forces assisted with more than 3,000 commercial ship passages through the strait in six months. CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said primary shipping routes were then clear of Iranian sea mines, before the latest reports.
Etihad Airways’ latest status page marks every flight between Abu Dhabi and Dammam, and between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, as canceled until Nov. 5. Four services to Jeddah, EY601, EY602, EY603 and EY604, are also listed as canceled through that date. Etihad cites regional disruption and tells travelers to check its live status page for updates.
