Qatar reports progress in US-Iran talks; Tehran denies discussions

Mediators are reporting progress in efforts to end the conflict between the United States and Iran, according to a recent announcement from Qatar. However, Tehran has denied that any talks are taking place, despite repeated assurances from U.S. President Donald Trump.

These developments, particularly Qatar's announcement, caused Brent crude oil prices to fall by 4%. Hopes for restoring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz have resurfaced, although the Strait remains closed for now, and another ship was attacked during passage.

The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, held a phone call with the U.S. president to discuss de-escalation initiatives and convergence between the U.S. and Iran, as announced by the Qatari Emir's office. On Monday, Trump stated that talks with Tehran had begun, emphasizing that Iran had a "last chance" for a deal. Concurrently, Iranian officials insist that no negotiations with Washington are underway.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated today that discussions were only with Oman regarding the Hormuz Strait. He described these talks as "positive" and ongoing, focusing on establishing safe "entry and exit" zones within the Strait. Iranian state media reported that the route under negotiation aims to safeguard the sovereign rights and national security of Iran and Oman.

Senior U.S. officials expressed optimism about the unfolding situation. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke of "progress" in talks to open the Strait. Rubio told reporters at the State Department, "We hope it will happen very soon," while Bessent estimated that an agreement could be reached as early as today or tomorrow, Wednesday.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majid Al-Ansari, stated that diplomatic contacts are in "very advanced stages." He noted that mediators such as Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman are closely coordinating their actions to facilitate negotiations and the exchange of proposals between Washington and Tehran.

A senior Pakistani security official stated, "Our sole objective right now is to get both sides to agree at least to start talking."