The United States is using indirect technical talks with Iran in Qatar to help reduce tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, even though there are no direct negotiations between Washington and Tehran, according to a US national security expert.

Scott Uehlinger, a former CIA officer, told that the main goal of the US negotiators is to use the already scheduled technical talks to prevent potential problems in the future.

"I think that the main point of the American negotiators is to try to use the technical talks, which have already been scheduled, as a way of heading off some difficulties, which are clearly lying in the future," Uehlinger said.

He said those challenges are linked to what he described as Iran's "diplomatic gambit" to gain greater control over the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Uehlinger, Washington is seeking to better understand Iran's role in the strategic waterway under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), as well as clarify details that could be included in a future agreement.

"The US is trying to clarify what Iran's actual role is in the strait, according to the MoU, and further details that perhaps would be included in a future agreement," he said.

Uehlinger added that the most favourable outcome for Washington would be an arrangement under the MoU in which Qatar, together with other Gulf states, negotiates with Iran to form a coalition that would oversee and regulate maritime traffic through the vital shipping route. 

#Reports Al Jazeera