A Qatari negotiating team arrived in Tehran on Friday, working alongside the United States to try to secure a deal to end the war with Iran and resolve related issues. Qatar has previously distanced itself from mediating in the Iran conflict after suffering missile and drone attacks from Iran. The Qatari team aims to help reach a final agreement while Pakistan has been the official mediator since fighting began.
Currently, there is a fragile ceasefire following U. S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began in late February. However, negotiations are complicated by the U. S. blockade of Iranian ports and Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz. An Iranian source reported that while no deal has been finalized, progress has been made and remaining issues include Iran’s uranium enrichment and its control over the strait.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged some progress but emphasized caution. He noted that while Pakistan is the main mediator, other nations, particularly Gulf states, also have interests in the situation. Rubio recognized Pakistan’s role as commendable amid these discussions.
Despite being targeted by Iranian strikes that severely affected its liquefied natural gas production, Qatar remains engaged. The attacks have significantly disrupted its LNG export capacity, especially since the Strait of Hormuz is crucial for global LNG trade, and Qatar is a major non-NATO ally of the U. S. with a critical military base.
With information from Reuters
