Qatari Mediators in Tehran as US-Iran Deal Nears; Hormuz Strait Agreement Takes Center Stage.

Doha delegation holds talks with Iranian officials to narrow gaps on war-ending pact; Pakistan, Qatar lead mediation amid shaky ceasefire.

Tehran/Doha,:-A Qatari negotiating team arrived in Tehran on Friday in coordination with the United States to help secure a deal to end the war with Iran and resolve outstanding issues, as diplomatic efforts intensify around the Strait of Hormuz.

Qatar Re-engages as Back-Channel Mediator.

The Qatari delegation is in Tehran to help “reach a final deal that would end the war and address outstanding issues with Iran,” according to a source familiar with the matter. While Pakistan has served as the official mediator since fighting began, Qatar’s re-engagement reflects its longstanding role as a US ally and trusted back-channel between Washington and Tehran.

Doha had previously distanced itself from mediation after coming under attack from Iranian missiles and drones during the latest conflict. The delegation departed Tehran early Thursday after overnight talks that “lasted into the early hours”.

Strait of Hormuz and Key Sticking Points.

Negotiators are attempting to secure a memorandum of understanding that could reopen and stabilize maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for phased US sanctions relief and unfreezing of Iranian assets. A shaky ceasefire is in place since the war began with US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, but Iran’s uranium enrichment and control over the strait remain major sticking points.

Iranian state media IRNA said the draft text does not include Iran ceding management of the strait. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi noted that at this stage, the memorandum is focused on ending the war and “it has been decided that there will be no discussion of the nuclear issue”.

 Trump Claims Deal Imminent; Tehran Cautious.

US President Donald Trump claimed the deal will be signed today and the Strait will “open to all”. However, Iranian officials said no final agreement has been reached. “Iran hasn’t reached a final conclusion about the agreement,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said.

Qatar’s leader Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani said mediation efforts had “led to progress in the proposals under discussion” but did not confirm Trump’s claim that a deal had been finalised. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted “some good signs” but added “I don’t want to be overly optimistic”.

The deal is being brokered largely by Pakistan, with support from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and Qatar. For now, gaps have narrowed but the agreement still faces tests on final text, Israel’s position, and halting Gulf violence.