By: Reuters

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson said on Tuesday (June 16) the memorandum of understanding, signed by the United States and Iran to end their war, was expected to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to normal navigation, allowing Qatar to resume supplying energy to world markets.

“We are confident that, as reported, the MOU will reopen the strait for normal navigation and that would allow countries like Qatar to again be supplying energy to the world,” said Majed Al-Ansari during the ministry's weekly briefing. 

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday the deal to halt the conflict between the U.S. and Iran was "done" and going to a second stage, although details have yet to be made public and both countries say a permanent truce is yet to be negotiated.

The interim agreement would extend a tenuous ceasefire announced in April by another 60 days and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blocked since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in February.

Al-Ansari said Qatar was part of the mediation effort led by Pakistan and would be represented at follow-up talks in Geneva, alongside other regional states.

U.S. and Iranian officials are due in Switzerland on Friday to begin detailed negotiations, opening a 60-day window for complex technical talks. These are expected to cover issues such as the future of Iran's highly enriched uranium and the lifting of sanctions.

Asked about a reported $300 billion figure tied to reconstruction and regional investment, Al-Ansari said any such effort had to be an international one, adding that no Qatari funds had been paid under the framework. 

(Production: Bassam Masoud and Zainab Elhaj)