U.S. and Iran to hold talks in Qatar after weekend strikes, Trump says
President Trump announced that the United States and Iran will meet in Qatar on Tuesday following a series of reciprocal attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran said consultations with Qatar are ongoing but did not confirm participation.
President Donald Trump said the United States and Iran are scheduled to meet in Qatar on Tuesday after a four-day exchange of strikes that threatened the fragile cease-fire between the two nations. Iran did not immediately confirm that it would send representatives, but indicated that talks with Qatar, a key mediator, were continuing.
The hostilities began on Thursday when Iran struck a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and a second ship on Saturday, prompting U.S. retaliatory strikes. Iran later claimed to have targeted a U.S. naval base in Bahrain and a Kuwaiti air base with drones and missiles. On Sunday, an unnamed U.S. official said the parties had agreed to halt the attacks and allow free passage of vessels, though Iran did not confirm the agreement.
Shipping traffic through the strait fell sharply over the weekend, with only 22 ships transiting on Sunday compared with 48 on Friday, according to maritime data firm Kpler. Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, warned that attempts to bypass Iranian waters would cause delays and increase tensions.
A French container line, CMA CGM, reported that one of its ships successfully passed through Iranian waters, describing the transit as a “milestone” in a complex regional context. Analysts said major carriers are likely to avoid the route until the security situation stabilizes.
The conflict has disrupted global oil markets and supply chains for critical commodities such as naphtha, helium and sulfur, which pass through the strait. While China has largely insulated its economy by drawing on reserves and imposing export controls, other Asian economies are facing higher energy costs and supply shortages.
"It’s hard not to come to the conclusion that China is a winner here," said Kurt Campbell, chairman of The Asia Group and former U.S. deputy secretary of state.
The International Maritime Organization’s plan to evacuate stranded vessels remains on hold, and analysts warn that any prolonged closure of the strait could raise insurance costs and force shippers to use longer, more expensive routes.
