Qatar reports headway in US-Iran peace efforts

Qatar said mediators were making progress towards ending the war between the United States and Iran, but an attack on a commercial vessel near the Strait of Hormuz exposed the fragility of the diplomatic effort and renewed concerns over energy supplies.

Doha’s assessment followed contacts involving Qatar, Oman and Pakistan, which have been working to move Washington and Tehran towards formal negotiations. The initiative has focused on securing a ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and establishing conditions for broader talks on Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security.

US President Donald Trump said discussions with Tehran were under way and described them as productive. Iran disputed that direct negotiations had begun, saying communication continued through intermediaries and that no formal talks were taking place.

The conflicting accounts highlighted the political sensitivity surrounding the process. Washington is presenting the mediation as evidence that military pressure has brought Iran closer to an agreement, while Tehran is seeking to avoid any appearance that it entered negotiations under coercion.

Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, discussed the diplomatic effort with Trump by telephone. Doha said both sides emphasised dialogue and the need to advance efforts aimed at restoring stability across the region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains the central obstacle. Iran has halted most commercial traffic through the waterway, while the United States maintains restrictions on vessels and ports linked to Tehran. The strait previously handled about a fifth of global oil supplies, as well as large volumes of liquefied natural gas and other goods.

Iran has demanded authority over inbound shipping lanes and a role in supervising outbound traffic. Washington has resisted arrangements that could allow Tehran to impose charges or exercise permanent control over international navigation.

Oman has been involved in technical discussions intended to create a temporary transit system. One proposal would permit vessels to enter the Gulf through waters controlled by Iran and leave through routes overseen by Oman. More contentious questions, including passage fees and security guarantees, could be deferred for further negotiations.

Tehran has argued that any maritime settlement must address its security concerns and the US naval presence. Washington wants unrestricted commercial passage and guarantees that Iran will not attack ships or use the waterway as leverage in future disputes.

An assault on a vessel near the strait on Tuesday reinforced doubts about whether a workable arrangement was close. Maritime authorities confirmed that the ship had been struck but did not immediately identify those responsible. The incident followed a series of attacks and interceptions that have sharply reduced traffic through the Gulf.

Shipping companies have diverted vessels, delayed cargoes or demanded higher insurance coverage. Tanker rates have climbed, while ports and refiners across Asia and the Gulf have adjusted schedules to account for uncertain delivery times.

Oil prices initially fell as expectations of diplomatic progress strengthened, before rebounding following the vessel attack. Brent crude remained close to $80 a barrel after losing more than 5 per cent on Tuesday, reflecting rapid shifts in market sentiment.

Traders are weighing the possibility of an agreement against the risk of renewed strikes. A reopening of Hormuz could release delayed cargoes and reduce the geopolitical premium built into energy prices. A breakdown in negotiations could quickly reverse those gains.

The war has placed pressure on governments dependent on Gulf energy flows. Asian economies are particularly exposed because a large share of their crude oil and gas imports passes through Hormuz. Gulf exporters have also faced disruptions despite efforts to use pipelines and alternative terminals.

The United States has yet to secure the main objectives outlined at the start of its campaign. These included dismantling Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, limiting Tehran’s ability to strike regional rivals and creating political pressure on the country’s leadership.

Iran has retained significant military capabilities and continues to insist that any settlement must recognise its security role in the Gulf. Officials in Tehran have warned that hostilities could resume if Washington expands its attacks or refuses to ease the blockade.

Domestic pressures are shaping the positions of both governments. Trump faces questions over the duration and cost of the conflict, while Iran’s leadership must manage economic damage, public anxiety and disagreements between officials favouring diplomacy and hardliners demanding stronger guarantees.

Mediators are seeking an interim understanding that would stop attacks, restore shipping and provide space for detailed negotiations. Qatar has previously hosted indirect exchanges between US and Iranian representatives, while Oman has maintained communication channels with both governments.

Pakistan has also taken a prominent role, using its ties with Tehran, Washington and Gulf states to support the mediation. Its involvement has expanded the diplomatic framework beyond the traditional US-Iran channel operated through Doha and Muscat.