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

Qatar's prime minister traveled to Tehran to attempt to restart diplomatic efforts, amid fresh tensions between Iran and the United States. President Donald Trump stated that Washington was currently not engaging in talks with Iran. The US President said America would continue its economic campaign against Tehran until the country showed a willingness to negotiate.

The US and Iranian governments have been at odds since a June memorandum of understanding fell apart over the future of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The narrow waterway, which Iran seeks to control, allows passage for about a fifth of the global energy supply. The US maintains that the strait should stay an open international shipping lane.

Since the outbreak of the conflict six months ago, major combat operations have been paused, but significant progress in forging a wider peace deal or reopening the strait remains elusive. Iran claims it holds significant power and shows little urgency to negotiate. Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, warned that the US would face consequences if it conducted "mischief" against Iran. Iran would target US military and economic interests if provoked.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani urged both sides to resume diplomacy during his talks with Iranian negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi called on regional neighbors to prevent the US from utilizing their territories for military or economic attacks on Iran. Iran is reportedly preparing a list of conditions for reopening the strait of Hormuz, contingent on the US meeting Iranian demands.