▲ US-Iran
Qatar, acting as a mediator, stated on the 4th (local time) that the United States and Iran, which have been engaged in armed conflict following disputes over control of the Strait of Hormuz, are not holding direct talks at the moment but are maintaining contact through intermediaries.
According to foreign media outlets including Reuters, Majid bin Mohammed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told reporters that day, "There are currently no schedules involving direct talks between the two countries."
However, he explained, "We are fulfilling our role as a mediator alongside other regional partners, including Oman, to exchange views between the two sides."
Regarding the possibility of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Al Ansari stated that the efforts of the mediator nations are focused on seeking short-term solutions.
He added, "Our current goal is focused on preventing an escalation of military tension, reopening the strait, and resuming diplomacy between the two countries, and we are at a very advanced stage," and expressed hope that "if de-escalation is achieved, we can move forward toward a comprehensive agreement that will contribute to restoring peace before long."
Previously, U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned during a Q&A with reporters at the White House the day before that he had called off airstrikes on Iran at the request of Middle Eastern nations, stating, "We are talking with Iran right now. It is their last chance to sign a good document (agreement)."
President Trump stated, "I want to give them (Iran) a last chance before decapitation. We have already carried out many large-scale attacks, and those were just ordinary large-scale attacks. I hope they come to their senses," signaling that a massive offensive could be launched if negotiations fail.
Meanwhile, the Iranian side indicated that it is currently focusing on negotiations regarding the Strait of Hormuz with Oman, and that its position regarding talks with the United States is to monitor how the situation develops before taking the next steps.
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