Qatar proposes UN inspections of Iran's bombed nuclear sites in exchange for reopening the Strait of Hormuz

Qatar, acting as the chief mediator between the United States and Iran, has offered a deal that would allow United Nations nuclear inspectors to visit Iran's bombed nuclear sites, including those that store highly enriched uranium. In return, the United States would lift the naval blockade on the Strait of Hormuz and release part of the $8 billion in Iranian assets that have been frozen.

The proposal, outlined in a memorandum of understanding, also calls for the creation of a $300 billion reconstruction and development fund for Iran, though details on its financing remain unclear. Iran would need to agree to the inspections based on a previously abandoned Cairo agreement from September 2025.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the emir of Qatar, discussed the plan with President Donald Trump, the emir’s office said. > "The emir emphasized the importance of continuing dialogue and embracing diplomacy as a means of resolving disputes, preventing further escalation in the region," the office added.

If the deal proceeds, Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz on the second day via a route already negotiated with Oman, which both countries intend to register with the International Maritime Organisation. Tehran’s preconditions also include ending the conflict in Lebanon, withdrawing U.S. forces from the Iranian coastline, easing certain economic sanctions, and agreeing to pay war reparations.

Iranian officials have expressed skepticism toward International Atomic Energy Agency chief Rafael Grossi, accusing him of failing to condemn the U.S. bombings of Iran’s nuclear facilities. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported that two oil tankers attempting an unauthorised crossing of the strait collided with mines and caught fire, alleging the vessels had disabled their navigation systems with U.S. support.

Oman’s foreign minister, Badr Albusaidi, continues parallel talks on the strait’s administration, proposing that shipping companies be charged only for services, not tolls. According to the deputy chair of Iran’s parliamentary national security committee, ships from China, India, Qatar and Iraq are currently permitted to transit the waterway, with Iran collecting transit fees from Chinese and Indian vessels while allowing Qatari ships free passage. A senior analyst at Kpler estimated that in October, about 42% of the 10.23 million barrels of Gulf crude moving through the strait went to China and 13% to India.