Qatar says progress made toward US-Iran talks on ending war

Foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari of Qatar stated that mediators are still working on diplomatic solutions to prevent a further escalation between the US and Iran, but there are no direct talks planned. The focus of Qatari, Pakistani and Omani officials is on securing a short-term resolution to facilitate the resumption of US and Iranian talks.

Both sides have been sending conflicting signals, with Iran denying US President Trump's claim that talks were underway. Iran claims its talks are only with Oman regarding reopening the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted at progress in those discussions, yet no final agreement was reached.

The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, suggested a deal could be finalized in the next 24 hours. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency reported a cargo vessel was hit by an "unknown projectile" in the crucial Gulf waterway, with one sailor missing. There have been ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, which has effectively been closed since the start of the US-Iran conflict, due to Iranian attacks on vessels and a US blockade of Iranian ports.

In June, the US and Iran signed a preliminary deal to end the conflict and reopen the strait, but it collapsed within weeks over disputes over the waterway and escalating strikes. US President Trump recently called off what he called a "massive attack" by US and Israeli forces on Iran after the three Gulf nations urged restraint.

However, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman dismissed the possibility of direct talks with the US, saying Iran was having "constructive" negotiations with Oman over ensuring the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.