Qatar says negotiations between US and Iran remain possible amid recent strikes

Qatar's foreign ministry indicated that negotiations between the United States and Iran are still underway, with mediators exchanging proposals in real time following discussions in Tehran. "If there were no hope, there would be no negotiations," spokesperson Majed Al Ansari told a weekly briefing in Doha.

Al Ansari said a Qatari delegation met Iranian officials for more than three hours on Monday before returning to Doha, and that both Washington and Tehran are now reviewing the proposals. Qatar is also working toward an interim agreement intended to build confidence and allow both sides to demonstrate compliance with any commitments.

"Confidence is built through the process, not specific actions," Al Ansari added, noting that an interim deal could serve as a first step toward lasting peace. He emphasized that freedom of navigation is "non-negotiable" and condemned any threats to ships belonging to Qatar or other nations, warning that attacks on shipping and broader military escalation could jeopardize the region and the negotiations.

Despite overnight US strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, Doha is assessing the talks based on official responses to its proposals rather than public threats. Al Ansari said Qatar continues to coordinate closely with Pakistan and Gulf neighbours to prevent further escalation. Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that Tehran's conditions must be met before the Hormuz strait can be reopened or nuclear talks can begin.