Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani arrived in Tehran Thursday for talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi as the U.S.-Iran war nears its six-month mark. Majed al-Ansari, Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman, said discussions would focus on creating "conditions conducive to dialogue" and restoring marine traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. The visit comes amid rising tensions: an Iranian general, Seyed Mohammad Bagherzadeh, recently accused Qatar of detaining three Iranian pilots shot down on March 2, a claim Qatar denies.

Since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, Qatar has endured over 700 missile and drone strikes blamed on Tehran, including hits on gas facilities and a tanker in the strait. Qatar, host to a major U.S. base, brokered a June cease-fire that has since collapsed over disputes regarding the strategic waterway. Iran and Oman have discussed a temporary shipping route without agreement.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei confirmed the visit centers on Qatar's mediation role. Despite tensions, Qatar and Pakistan continue mediation efforts. Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced new economic sanctions against 60 Iranian-linked entities, terming them an "economic D-Day.".