Qatar has confirmed that diplomatic efforts by Qatari, Pakistani and Omani mediators to defuse tensions between the United States and Iran are continuing, though no direct talks between Washington and Tehran are currently scheduled. The announcement follows conflicting signals from both sides, with Iran denying President Trump's claim that negotiations were under way, insisting its only active discussions are with Oman over reopening the Strait of Hormuz to shipping. The distinction matters because the strait, a critical route for global oil and gas exports, has been effectively closed since fighting between the US, Israel and Iran escalated in late February.

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said mediators were pursuing a "short-term resolution" to help reignite talks, describing efforts as being "in very progressive stages". US officials struck a similarly cautious but hopeful tone, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio citing progress without a final deal and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggesting an agreement could come within days. Overnight, a cargo vessel, the Liberia-flagged Minoan Pioneer, was hit by an "unknown projectile" in the Gulf, with one sailor reported missing, underlining the continued danger in the waterway even as a preliminary June agreement between the US and Iran had already collapsed once amid disputes over control of the strait.