Qatar said Tuesday that mediation efforts to end the war between the United States and Iran are making progress, even though Tehran denies any negotiations are underway, something President Donald Trump has repeatedly said is happening.
Brent crude oil prices fell 4% after the announcement, on hopes that shipping through the Strait of Hormuz would soon resume. The strait remains closed, and another ship was attacked while trying to pass through.
Qatar's Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, spoke by phone with Trump on Tuesday about de-escalating the situation and narrowing the gap between US and Iranian positions, his office said.
On Monday, Trump said talks with Tehran had begun and that Iran had one last chance to reach a deal. Iranian officials insist no talks with Washington are taking place. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said only that talks were underway with Oman over the strait, calling them positive and ongoing, according to Iranian state media. He said the talks focused on setting safe entry and exit zones, protecting the sovereign rights and security of Iran and Oman.
US officials cite progress
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio both cited progress in talks to reopen the strait. Rubio told reporters he hoped it would happen very soon, while Bessent said a deal could come as early as Tuesday or Wednesday.
Qatari spokesman Majed Al-Ansari said diplomatic contacts had reached very advanced stages, with Qatar, Pakistan and Oman coordinating to facilitate talks between Washington and Tehran. A senior Pakistani official said the goal was to get both sides to agree to start talking.
