Qatar says Washington and Tehran are studying mediators' proposals for an interim deal

Qatar announced on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, that the United States and Iran are studying proposals put forward by mediators to bring their positions closer together, saying it is working to reach an interim agreement that builds trust and paves the way for later negotiations to resolve the crisis.

Return of the Qatari delegation from Tehran

Advisor to the Prime Minister and official spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, Majid bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, said at the ministry's weekly media briefing in Doha that the Qatari delegation returned from Tehran after intensive talks with the Iranian side that lasted about three hours, during which ideas and proposals aimed at easing the disputes were exchanged.

Bridging the gap remains unfinished

Al-Ansari said efforts to bridge the gap between Washington and Tehran are ongoing, and that the two sides show commitment to the negotiation process despite persistent disagreements. He added that Qatar is relaying proposals between the parties in close coordination with its partners in the region and the international community, and that there is high-level coordination among regional leaders to avoid escalation.

Freedom of navigation is non-negotiable

The Qatari spokesperson stressed that freedom of navigation is non-negotiable and that Doha rejects any threats to its tankers or to other ships, in reference to the recent targeting of the Qatari gas tanker Al-Maida. He also rejected Israeli accusations that Qatar interfered in elections.

Al-Ansari's remarks came a day after a limited U.S. strike that targeted an Iranian air-defense facility announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, while Tehran says it remains firm on its conditions for any agreement.

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