Qatar confirms diplomacy between U.S., Iran as vessel attacked in Strait of Hormuz

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday said its mediators are working to find a diplomatic solution to the Iran war, even as another ship came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz. 

Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, told reporters that draft proposals are being exchanged between Iranian and U.S. officials, with mediators from Qatar, Oman and Pakistan facilitating the negotiations.

He said the goal is to “go back to the normal situation” in the region, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been effectively closed to commercial shipping since last month. 

Mr. al-Ansari declined to provide a timeline on when a deal could be announced, but he insisted it would be “as soon as possible.” 

President Trump this week insisted that a comprehensive peace deal with Iran was imminent, writing on social media that negotiations with Tehran were ongoing. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC on Tuesday that the U.S. could secure a deal to reopen the strait as soon as Wednesday, though he did not provide any details. 

Iran denied on Monday that any U.S. negotiations were taking place. 

SEE ALSO: Bessent says U.S., Iran could reach a deal on Strait of Hormuz within a day or two

A resolution to the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz faced more challenges Tuesday after the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations reported that a projectile near the coast of Oman struck an unidentified cargo ship. 

The vessel’s name, flag and any casualties were unknown Tuesday morning. Iran, which has carried out numerous attacks against commercial vessels in the strait over the last month, has not claimed responsibility for the strike.