Qatar says Iran-US mediation efforts are ongoing, seeking short-term de-escalation

DOHA — Mediating nation Qatar said on Tuesday that efforts for a diplomatic solution between the United States and Iran were ongoing but that there were no direct talks between the sides planned. "We can confirm that the efforts are still ongoing with all parties," foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari told reporters at a regular briefing. He said that negotiations were focused on "a short-term resolution that would help us reignite the talks and go back to the mediation efforts in its totality." U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had agreed to continue to pursue talks with Iran at the request of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and other countries but that Tehran had a "last chance" in negotiations. The talks are focused on the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said, and the vital waterway could open "literally by tomorrow." "Our focus right now is on lowering escalation, reopening the strait, and reopening the door for diplomacy between the parties," Al Ansari said. "We are hopeful that if we can get a resumption of the talks anytime soon, we'll be able to push forwa

A Qatar foreign ministry spokesman said that negotiations were focused on "a short-term resolution that would help us reignite the talks and go back to the mediation efforts in its totality".