Qatar says mediation efforts to end US-Iran war making progress

Qatar said on Tuesday that mediators were making progress in efforts to end the US-Iran war, driving oil prices lower, although Tehran has denied US President Donald Trump's assertion that talks are already under way.

Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed efforts to narrow differences between Washington and Tehran and improve the prospects for a lasting settlement during a phone call on Tuesday, the administrative office of the emir said.

It said the emir stressed the importance of dialogue and adherence to the US-Iran memorandum of understanding of mid-June that provided for the immediate cessation of military operations.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said on Tuesday that talks with Oman over transit through the Strait of Hormuz were positive and continuing, with a focus on establishing safe shipping lanes, state media reported. He added the route being negotiated was aimed at ensuring the sovereign rights and national security of both Iran and Oman.

Senior US officials struck an optimistic tone, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Secretary of State Marco Rubio both pointing to progress in discussions aimed at reopening the strait.

"There's been progress made in those talks, but not finality yet. We're hoping that will happen very shortly," Rubio told reporters, while Bessent said a deal with Iran on reopening the strait could be reached by Tuesday or Wednesday.

Trump said on Monday that talks with Tehran had started and Iran faced a "last chance" to reach a deal. Iranian officials insisted no ⁠negotiations with the US were taking place.

Trump's comments followed his weekend decision to cancel plans for what he described as "massive attacks" on Iran, extending a pattern in which he has threatened major military action before pulling back and pointing to diplomatic contacts.

Israel, Lebanon resume talks in Rome

Israel and Lebanon on Tuesday resumed US-mediated talks in Rome aimed at advancing security arrangements along their border and implementing a framework agreement reached in Washington in late June, according to local media.

The three-day talks, held at the US Embassy in Rome, bring together technical delegations from both sides under a trilateral mechanism backed by the United States.

The discussions focus on security arrangements in southern Lebanon, unresolved border issues and the disarmament of Hezbollah, which Washington considers a key condition for a lasting settlement, Euronews reported.

According to The Times of Israel, Israel hopes to establish working groups on border demarcation, Hezbollah's disarmament, reconstruction in southern Lebanon and other issues. The Israeli delegation also includes officials from the Israel Defense Forces.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem reiterated the group's opposition to the talks and the framework agreement.

The latest meeting is the seventh round of US-mediated talks and the second to be hosted by Rome in less than a month.

(With input from agencies)