DOHA: Qatar said on Tuesday that diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Iran and the United States remain active, although no direct negotiations between the two countries are currently scheduled.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari said mediation is continuing with all parties involved, with the immediate focus on securing a short-term breakthrough that could pave the way for broader peace talks.
The diplomatic update came as a serious maritime incident unfolded in the Strait of Hormuz. A Liberia-flagged bulk carrier, MINOAN PIONEER, was struck by an unidentified projectile while sailing north through the strategic waterway.
According to British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, the impact damaged the vessel’s engine room, triggered a fire in the accommodation section, and left the ship without power. Crew members battled the blaze while one engineer was reported missing. A nearby Panama-flagged tanker, SURIANAME PROSPERITY, relayed the vessel’s distress call and requested urgent assistance.
Earlier, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed it had received reports of a ship being hit by an unknown projectile around 20 nautical miles northeast of Al Khasab, Oman, and said investigations were underway.
The incident has heightened concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route, as uncertainty persists over efforts to end the Iran-US conflict.
US President Donald Trump said “last chance” discussions with Iran were in progress and expressed confidence that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen soon. Iranian officials, however, maintained that no direct negotiations with Washington were taking place.
The United States and Iran have remained in conflict since late February, following coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iran. Although a ceasefire and preliminary understandings have reduced hostilities, a lasting political settlement has yet to be achieved.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key point of contention, with Iran seeking greater authority over the strategic passage while the United States continues to oppose any restrictions on international navigation.
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