U.S., Qatar officials report 'progress' in Iran talks; no deal yet
by Ben Hooper · UPIAug. 4 (UPI) -- U.S. and Qatari officials said Tuesday that progress has been made in talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but a final deal is not yet in place.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there has been "progress in talks, but not finality yet," The New York Times reported.
Rubio said Iran and neighboring Oman have been holding talks with U.S. involvement aimed at reopening the strait, which has been the subject of an Iranian blockade ever since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28.
The blockade has put a strain on the global oil and gas markets, which rely on the waterway for shipping.
Majed al-Ansari, spokesman for Qatar's Foreign Ministry, told reporters that negotiations to end the conflict between the United States and Iran are "in very progressive stages" and drafts of a potential agreement are "being circulated," CNN reported.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC on Tuesday that he is optimistic about the ongoing talks.
"We are in talks with the Iranians, and I think there is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow," he said.
President Donald Trump said Monday that he will allow the negotiations to play out before escalating any offensives against Iran.
"I want to give them every last chance before decapitation," CBS News quoted Trump as saying.