Qatar reports positive responses from US and Iran to mediation efforts
Qatar said Tuesday that both the United States and Iran have given positive responses to ongoing mediation efforts, as Doha steps up diplomatic contacts to secure an agreement and ease tensions in the region.
Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, director of the Qatari Foreign Ministry’s Media and Communications Department, told a press conference in Doha that mediation between Washington and Tehran was continuing.
“Positive responses” had been received from both sides, he said, adding that mediators were seeking to end the current state of “no war, no peace” and the uncertainty surrounding the region.
Qatari premier holds talks with Trump and Vance
The announcement came a day after Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance in Washington.
Sheikh Mohammed said the discussions focused on the regional situation and ways to advance negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
He described the talks as positive, expressing appreciation for efforts to reach an agreement and bring peace to the region.
Trump also welcomed the meeting, describing his conversation with the Qatari prime minister as “excellent” and saying there was positive momentum toward ending the conflict.
Al Jazeera, citing sources familiar with the discussions, reported that the meetings had made progress on Iran and aimed to narrow differences between the two sides.
Iran rejects reports of Hormuz deal
Meanwhile, an unnamed Iranian official denied reports that negotiations were underway to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the release of $8 billion in frozen Iranian assets.
Speaking to the semi-official Fars News Agency, the official said Tehran would negotiate only within the framework of seven conditions previously presented to Washington.
The demands reportedly include lifting the naval blockade and unilateral sanctions, guaranteeing safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, releasing frozen Iranian assets and ending the war.
Ceasefire efforts face renewed challenges
The United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. A ceasefire was reached in April, but fighting between Washington and Tehran resumed in July as diplomatic efforts stalled.
Qatar's latest statements indicate that mediation efforts remain active, although major differences between the two sides continue to complicate prospects for a comprehensive agreement.
Source:AA
