In brief
Qatar’s foreign ministry confirms the U.S. and Iran are reviewing proposals to end their conflict, yet key differences persist. Majed Al Ansari reports extended talks and confidence‑building steps, but no concrete progress is announced. He also condemns a recent attack on a Qatari LNG carrier and urges regional restraint.
In Doha on Tuesday, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said the United States and Iran are reviewing proposals to end their conflict, but differences between the two sides still remain.
Both parties have been studying mediation ideas presented by external mediators, the spokesperson told the ministry’s weekly press briefing, adding that “bridging the gap is still a work in progress.”
Al Ansari noted that a Qatari delegation had returned from Tehran Monday evening after more than three hours of talks, longer than the originally scheduled one hour. The meeting involved an exchange of views and proposals aimed at narrowing the gap between Washington and Tehran.
He cautioned that while the talks are ongoing and the parties show a willingness to pursue diplomacy, no concrete progress could yet be announced and the discussions should not be seen as a breakthrough.
Al Ansari said Qatar is working toward an interim agreement to help build confidence between the two leaders, stressing that confidence‑building measures should form part of a phased diplomatic process with both sides demonstrating commitment by implementing agreed steps.
In that context, the spokesperson highlighted a recent incident involving the Qatari LNG carrier Al Mayeda in the Arabian Gulf. He condemned the attack and opposed any threats to freedom of maritime navigation, noting that Gulf Cooperation Council countries are coordinating to prevent further escalation.
Qatar reiterated that renewed hostilities would serve no party’s interests and expressed hope that continued engagement can lead to an agreement capable of ending the current crisis and establishing conditions for lasting regional peace.
"Bridging the gap is still a work in progress."
—Majed Al Ansari, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson, as reported by Xinhua.
