Qatar says efforts to reach a "short term resolution" between the United States and Iran that would prevent further escalation and restart direct talks are at an advanced stage, with draft language circulating between the two sides through regional mediators.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Dr Majed Al Ansari said on Tuesday that Qatar was working with Oman and Pakistan to exchange ideas and proposals between Washington and Tehran and that "the whole region is now working together" by exchanging ideas, to avoid any further escalation and find a resolution.
"Our focus right now is avoiding escalation, reopening the strait and reopening the door for diplomacy between the parties," Al Ansari told reporters in Doha.
“We can confirm that the efforts are still ongoing with all the parties,” the Qatari foreign ministry spokesman said, adding that “we are looking towards a diplomatic resolution as we are speaking right now. There are current efforts on the ground that are in very progressive stages.”
His comments bring a significant reality check towards the conflicting claims from Washington and Tehran over whether negotiations are taking place.
