Qatar says mediators are making progress toward arranging talks between the United States and Iran, even as Tehran is demanding sweeping authority over traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reported.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said mediators were working to establish negotiations and expressed hope that discussions would begin soon. Qatar, Oman and other regional countries have been attempting to facilitate talks and exchange proposals between Washington and Tehran.

The diplomatic picture, however, remains unclear. President Donald Trump said Monday that talks with Iran had started and that a final decision could be reached within days, while Oman later said negotiations had not yet begun but that preparations were underway.

A senior Pakistani security official also said discussions were taking place behind the scenes and that both sides appeared willing to talk.

At the same time, a senior Iranian source told Reuters that Tehran is seeking full control over inbound shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, along with visibility and oversight of outbound traffic and the authority to intervene when it considers necessary.

Iran argues that the current system governing the waterway is unfair and wants greater power over shipping entering the Gulf. Tehran controls the northern side of the strait, while Oman controls the southern side.

Iran has halted most maritime traffic through Hormuz, disrupting oil and liquefied natural gas shipments and leaving ships stranded near the waterway. Maritime authorities also reported that a cargo vessel sent a distress call near the strait after suffering an incident at sea.

The Iranian demands would represent a major change in control over one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Analysts said granting Tehran such authority could shift the regional balance of power and strengthen Iran’s ability to exert pressure on international trade.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said there could be an agreement with Iran on reopening the Strait of Hormuz within days. He said Washington was in talks with Tehran and hoped to reach a more normalized position.

Despite the reported diplomatic movement, major disagreements remain. Iran continues to reject negotiations while under military pressure, and Trump has repeatedly warned of further attacks before later emphasizing diplomatic contacts.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)