Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei says that “clearance of mines in the Strait of Hormuz is regulated by a relevant memorandum of understanding, and Tehran sees no need for third-party intervention.”

This comes after France’s President Macron said that “we have decided to collaborate jointly, in coordination with our partner, on de-mining the strait to secure maritime routes and ensure free and unconditional passage through the Strait of Hormuz”.

Many Gulf stock markets ended lower today after doubts over ⁠whether US-Iran talks in Doha will make any progress to end the four-month-old war.

We previously reported that oil prices have eased after jumping earlier amid renewed violence in the Strait of Hormuz last week and following the US-Iran signing of an interim peace agreement two weeks ago.

Saudi Arabia’s ‌benchmark stock index edged 0.1 percent higher on Tuesday. Dubai’s main share index dropped 0.6 percent, with top lender Emirates NBD (ENBD) retreating 1.8 percent.

In Abu Dhabi, the index fell 0.4 percent. The Qatari index ⁠eased 0.1 percent, weighed down by a 2.2 percent fall ⁠in the Gulf’s biggest lender, Qatar National Bank.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is calling for the momentum of talks between the US and Iran to be sustained, speaking during a meeting in Beijing with his Saudi counterpart, state news agency Xinhua reported.

“The current ceasefire remains fragile, but talking is better than fighting, and dialogue is better than confrontation,” Wang said today, adding that Beijing was ready to work with Saudi Arabia to help ease regional tensions and promote lasting peace

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