Qatar steps in to mediate as Trump says US not talking to Iran

DUBAI - Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani traveled to Tehran on Thursday in an attempt to restart stalled diplomacy, as US President Donald Trump stated that Washington is not currently engaging with Iran. During a meeting with Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, Al Thani urged a return to dialogue, according to Qatar's foreign ministry.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called on regional neighbors to prevent the US from using their territory for military or economic attacks on Iran.

Rezaei, the secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, warned that Tehran would target US military and economic interests if Washington engaged in "mischief" against Iran. He said the US must meet Iran's conditions before reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which includes ending the US blockade on Iranian ports and removing sanctions. Iran has called for control over the strait and charging fees for ships it authorizes, while the US insists on keeping it an open international waterway.

Al Thani emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during his talks with the Iranian foreign minister, discussing a proposal for a temporary joint Iranian-Omani shipping corridor and a joint project to clear mines. However, Iran's Revolutionary Guards stated that Iran and Oman had agreed in principle on administering traffic in the strait and sharing revenues, but details were still being worked out.

The US is imposing economic sanctions on Iran, but Trump has maintained that negotiations are ongoing. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Trump will continue to keep all options on the table regarding Iran's negotiations.