Qatar Says US-Iran Mediation Efforts Still Underway

Doha (ANTARA) - Qatar on Tuesday confirmed that mediation efforts between the United States and Iran are still underway, with both sides continuing to exchange drafts of a possible agreement as regional mediators seek to prevent further escalation. “We can confirm that these efforts are still ongoing with all parties,” said Majed Al Ansari, adviser to the prime minister and spokesman for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, during a weekly press conference. “As we speak, we continue to pursue a diplomatic resolution,” Al Ansari said, adding that the talks have reached a very advanced stage. The official stated that Qatar, Pakistan, and Oman are coordinating closely to facilitate indirect contacts between Washington and Tehran. “All parties in this region are working together to avoid escalation,” he said. “The mediators, namely Qatar, Pakistan, and now Oman, are all cooperating on this issue.” When asked about the Strait of Hormuz, Al Ansari said Qatar’s top priority at present is to avoid escalation, reopen the strait, and reopen the door for diplomacy between the parties. “What we do not want to see right now is a massive escalation in our region,” he added. He stressed that the mediators are pursuing a short-term diplomatic solution that will help restart negotiations. Al Ansari mentioned that no direct talks are scheduled between the US and Iran, but expressed hope that the mediation efforts could soon lead to a resumption of negotiations. “At the moment we have no plans regarding direct talks,” he said. “However, we hope that if talks can resume in the near future, we will be able to move forward towards a major agreement.” Regarding the possibility of reaching a deal, Al Ansari said no timeframe can be set.