Qatar Says Progress Made Toward US-Iran Talks on Ending War

Qatar stated on Tuesday that mediators were making progress in efforts to end the "US-Iran war" and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a development that drove oil prices lower. However, Iran denied President Donald Trump's claim that talks were already in progress.

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There's been progress made in those talks, but not finality yet. We're hoping that will happen very shortly.

Benchmark Brent crude fell more than 4%, extending previous losses, on hopes of an arrangement to restore traffic through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz. The strait, however, remained virtually shut, with another ship reportedly attacked while attempting to cross it.

Trump had asserted on Monday that talks with Tehran had begun, presenting Iran with a "last chance" to reach a deal. Iranian officials countered that no negotiations with the United States were taking place, stating their only discussions were with Oman regarding the strait.

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a deal with Iran on the reopening of Hormuz could be reached by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Senior US officials, including Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, conveyed an optimistic outlook. Rubio told reporters that "progress made in those talks, but not finality yet. We're hoping that will happen very shortly." Bessent suggested a deal could be reached by Tuesday or Wednesday.

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very progressive stages

Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed al-Ansari, described diplomatic contacts as reaching "very progressive stages." He indicated that mediators, including Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman, were coordinating closely to facilitate negotiations and exchange proposals between Washington and Tehran. A senior Pakistani security official confirmed that "a lot is happening in the background" and that their sole goal was to get both parties to agree to start talking.

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A lot is happening in the background ... We are talking to both sides. Our sole goal at this moment is to make both parties at least agree to start talking.