Qatar says it is working to facilitate a US-Iran agreement
Doha points to a possible short-term deal as Iranian officials prepare to travel to New York for talks this week
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Qatar says it is working to facilitate an agreement between the United States and Iran, including what it describes as a possible short-term deal. The country has served as a mediator between the two before.
The statement comes as tension around Iran and Gulf shipping remains high. The US has redirected 110 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating attacks on shipping, and an LPG tanker was hit by projectile debris in the strait. Iran's crude exports remain blocked.
Vice President Vance says oil is still flowing from Iran and that the US will work to protect Navy vessels operating in the strait. He says talks with Iran will continue at the United Nations this week. Trade Representative Greer says nothing is off the table on Iran sanctions, a comment that comes as Iranian officials prepare to travel to New York for the UN talks.
Qatar's push to broker a deal matters to the administration because of its focus on keeping oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz and containing Iran's regional influence. A near-term agreement would ease the geopolitical risk premium built into oil prices and calm supply chain worries, which would support equities and other risk assets. But the history of talks with Iran, and the administration's own skepticism about easing sanctions, means the odds of a deal remain modest.