Qatar sees progress in US-Iran talks after White House meeting

Qatar reported progress in US-Iran talks on Tuesday, following a White House meeting between its prime minister and President Trump, though it declined to estimate how close a deal might be. Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashmi said both sides were making positive statements about a diplomatic solution, adding that Doha was working tirelessly as a mediator. The assessment came after Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met Trump, who said Gulf states urged him to hold off on fresh strikes while keeping the naval blockade. Tehran has proposed resuming talks within two days if Washington halts attacks, lifts the Hormuz blockade, and waives some sanctions, with nuclear negotiations to follow. Al Hashmi called for the strait to reopen, as Sheikh Mohammed joined G7 ministers in Paris to discuss the conflict.