Qatar Says Progress Made in US-Iran Talks as Missiles Hit Qeshm Island
Doha claims diplomatic momentum despite recent strikes and the aftermath of American midterm elections.
By Robert Marshall ·
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani stated on Saturday that mediation efforts between the United States and Iran had achieved substantial ground toward a settlement. Speaking via Al Jazeera TV, the leader indicated that the diplomatic push aims to prevent regional instability from escalating further.
Al-Thani noted that the US administration remains willing to pursue a solution following Tuesday's midterm elections. He expressed confidence that Washington's stance had not shifted due to the voting results and that a final deal remains possible. The Qatari leader emphasized that negotiators should aim for a workable outcome rather than waiting for an ideal one. "We cannot wait to reach a perfect agreement; we hope to reach a good agreement," he said.
While diplomatic channels reported movement, military incidents persisted on the ground. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Saturday that two missiles struck Qeshm Island. The agency noted that preliminary accounts confirmed the hits but lacked official details on potential damage. The United States did not announce any attacks on targets inside Iran, leaving the reported strikes without a corresponding American statement.
Regional governments had anticipated renewed American strikes after the midterm elections. President Donald Trump held back from attacking Iran in the weeks leading up to the vote. However, neighboring states expected military action to resume once the electoral process concluded. Iran has warned that new attacks would trigger retaliatory strikes on US and Israeli targets in the region.
The current stalemate involves a specific proposal from Tehran. Since September, Iran has offered a seven-day plan that requires the United States to end its blockade of Iranian ports and unfreeze Iranian assets. The proposal also calls for approval of an Iranian-backed route through the Strait of Hormuz. Under this framework, the contested waterway would reopen after those conditions are met.
President Trump has rejected the Iranian proposal so far. The plan remains stalled even as Al-Thani reports that Qatar is continuing its efforts to bring Washington and Tehran closer to an agreement.
