Qatar continues to say mediation work is ongoing to prevent a U.S.-Iran escalation, though no direct talks are planned.
Foreign ministry spokesman Majed al‑Ansari told reporters that Qatari, Pakistani and Omani officials are focused on a short‑term solution that could reignite diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran. He confirmed that no direct talks are on the agenda at this stage.
The Iranian foreign ministry has denied President Donald Trump’s claim that talks were underway. Iran maintains that it is only negotiating with Oman over reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said progress had been made in those discussions, but no final agreement had yet been reached, adding “we’re hoping that will happen very shortly.” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent followed up on CNBC, noting a deal could come “today or tomorrow.”
In the meantime, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency reported that a cargo vessel in the Gulf was struck by an “unknown projectile.” Maritime risk management group Vanguard said the Liberia‑flagged Minoan Pioneer’s engine room was hit and one sailor was missing.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one‑fifth of global oil and gas shipments normally pass, has been effectively closed since February’s U.S.–Israel war with Iran, due to Iranian attacks on ships and a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports.
A preliminary U.S.–Iran agreement in mid‑June to reopen the strait collapsed weeks later over disputes about waterway control and subsequent strikes. President Trump had previously cut off what he called a “massive attack” after Gulf allies urged restraint to allow mediators to broker a fresh deal.
Iran’s spokesman Esmail Baqai dismissed any notion of direct U.S. talks, insisting Iran was engaging in “constructive” negotiations with Oman to secure shipping passage. He warned that an agreement would be “necessary but not sufficient” to reopen the strait if the U.S. blockade remains in place.
At a Doha news conference, Qatari foreign ministry confirmed that its efforts with Pakistan and Oman were “still ongoing” and in very progressive stages, while stating there was no “anything on the books” for direct talks.
A senior Pakistani security official said, “A lot is happening in the background… We are talking to both sides.” No details about the potential Iran–Oman agreement on the Strait of Hormuz have been released by either country or the mediators.
Original Reuters photograph shows the busy maritime corridor at the Strait of Hormuz. Iran’s officials claimed the Gulf would use a route near its coast for inbound traffic, while outbound shipping would follow a course near Oman's coast, with a fee to cover environmental and security costs. A U.S. official disagreed, asserting any temporary routes would not involve Iranian approval or tolls.
