Iran and Oman have concluded talks on the Strait of Hormuz without reaching a breakthrough, according to a statement from Iran’s Foreign Ministry.

The strategic waterway lies between Iran to the north and Oman to the south, giving both countries a direct role in ensuring the security of shipping through the strait.

Both sides agreed to continue discussions at the political and technical levels “to reach a common understanding on ensuring the security of navigation,” the ministry said.

According to Tehran, a delegation from the Gulf state of Qatar also took part in the talks in the Omani capital Muscat.

Qatar acted as a mediator between Iran and the United States during the discussions, the Iranian Foreign Ministry said.

Repeated exchanges of fire between Iran and the U.S. over the past week have undermined an interim agreement reached last month to end the conflict and reopen the vital waterway.

U.S. President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire “over” but said Washington remained open to talks with Tehran.

(dpa/NAN)