Mediator Qatar announced on Tuesday that the United States and Iran remain engaged in indirect negotiations to end the Middle East war, despite an apparent deadlock seven months into the conflict. Foreign ministry official Ibrahim Al-Hashmi told a regular press briefing that these indirect negotiations take account of “the concerns of the various parties” involved in the region.
“I can confirm that the talks are continuing and the exchange of messages between different parties are continuing via Qatar and its regional partners,” Al-Hashmi said. He emphasized that the scale of the conflict and the global price being paid require immediate, dedicated efforts to find a negotiable solution on the negotiation table.
The diplomatic efforts persist despite Washington and Tehran remaining at odds over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, following a ceasefire in April, a June memorandum of understanding, and UN General Assembly discussions last month. Furthermore, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently criticized the process, stating on Monday that talks with the US were “meaningless” and only resulted in renewed attacks.