Qatar says international mediators have made significant progress in efforts to end the military conflict between the United States and Iran, although Tehran continues to deny that direct negotiations with Washington are taking place. The announcement helped ease concerns in global energy markets, contributing to a decline in oil prices.
Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said diplomatic contacts had reached “very advanced stages.” According to him, Qatar, Oman, and Pakistan are coordinating the exchange of proposals between Washington and Tehran in an effort to create conditions for formal negotiations.
U.S. President Donald Trump said discussions with Iran were moving forward and described the current moment as Tehran’s “last chance” to reach an agreement. Iranian officials, however, reiterated that no direct talks with the United States are taking place, stressing that their only official negotiations are with Oman regarding safe commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also expressed cautious optimism, saying progress had been made toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz, although no final agreement has yet been reached.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy corridors, carrying roughly 20% of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. Any breakthrough in negotiations could help restore commercial shipping and reduce pressure on global energy markets.
Despite the encouraging diplomatic signals, analysts caution that negotiations remain fragile. Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continues to face security risks, while attacks on vessels in the region underscore that a comprehensive agreement has not yet been achieved.
Sources: Reuters, Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
