Deal Between US and Iran Expected Within Hours: Qatar

Qatar, Oman, and Pakistan Facilitating Contacts and Negotiations Between Washington and Tehran: Qatari Foreign Ministry
DOHA — Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions between the United States and Iran have shown progress, with Qatar expressing hope that the two countries could reach an agreement within the next few hours.
According to Qatar’s Al Jazeera, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said during a briefing on Tuesday that mediation efforts to end tensions between Washington and Tehran have entered a critical stage.
The spokesperson said direct talks are not taking place between the US and Iran, but mediators remain in constant contact with both sides. Countries facilitating the mediation — including Qatar, Oman, and Pakistan — are helping exchange communications, draft proposed agreements, and pave the way for negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the Qatari spokesperson said Doha’s position is that the vital waterway should reopen and shipping should continue as it did before. He said Iran’s position is that ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz should be charged a fee or tax, a proposal the US has deemed unacceptable.
Al-Ansari said Qatar believes decisions regarding the Strait of Hormuz should be made collectively by regional countries to ensure stability in the region and uninterrupted global energy supplies. He added that Doha supports the mediation efforts and hopes both sides will reach an agreement within the coming days or hours.
Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had also claimed that a deal with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz issue could be reached within a day or two. According to him, if negotiations succeed, a formal announcement of the agreement could come within the next 24 to 48 hours.