This handout photograph taken and released by Qatar's Amiri Diwan shows Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, right, meeting Iraq's Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi at Lusail Palace on the outskirts of Doha, July 19. AFP-Yonhap
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.
