DOHA: Iran’s senior negotiator and foreign minister met Qatar’s prime minister in Doha on Monday to discuss a possible agreement with the United States, according to international media reports.
The talks focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, easing regional tensions and discussing Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium.
International media outlets said the proposed framework could help restore shipping movement through the strategic waterway. The discussions also included the possible release of frozen Iranian funds.
A senior US official said Washington would continue diplomatic efforts before considering any other action.
Reports said the US believes Iran has agreed in principle to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and begin negotiations over its nuclear programme.
However, Iran said a final agreement was not close. International media reports said Tehran acknowledged progress on several issues but added that major differences still remained.
The proposed understanding reportedly contains 14 points. It would first focus on reducing tensions in the Gulf and restoring maritime traffic. Nuclear negotiations could continue separately over a 60-day period if both sides approve the framework.
International media reports also said Iran claimed it had downed a “hostile” stealth drone using a new air defence system. Independent confirmation was not immediately available.
The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Shipping traffic has remained far below normal levels since military strikes on Iran earlier this year.
Iranian state media reported that 32 vessels and five oil tankers crossed the strait in the past 24 hours after receiving approval from the Revolutionary Guards.
Oil prices fell more than 4% on Monday as hopes of a possible agreement improved market sentiment.
Several major issues remain unresolved, according to international media reports. These include Iran’s nuclear programme, sanctions relief and the release of billions of dollars in Iranian oil revenues frozen abroad.
