Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the United States could reach a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Wednesday, adding that this would stabilize energy prices.
“We are in talks with the Iranians, and I think there is a chance we may have a deal today or tomorrow to open the strait and move towards a more normalized position in this conflict,” Bessent said Tuesday in an interview with US media.
Asked if a deal would allow Iran to charge a toll on shipping using the strait, Bessent said, “I think it would be freedom of movement.”
Earlier, mediating nation Qatar said that efforts for a diplomatic solution between the United States and Iran were ongoing but that there were no direct talks between the sides planned.
“We can confirm that the efforts are still ongoing with all parties,” Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari told reporters at a regular briefing.
He said that negotiations were focused on “a short-term resolution that would help us reignite the talks and go back to the mediation efforts in its totality”. (AFP)
