Qatar Pushes U.S.-Iran Deal Amid Hormuz Tensions

U.S. strikes hit Iran’s Qeshm Island as attacks on vessels around the Strait of Hormuz continued; maritime authorities reported at least 11 ships attacked in the week ending November 6, including three sunk, and traffic remained far below prewar levels. President Donald Trump is due to meet Qatar’s prime minister on Monday as Qatar and regional mediators press the U.S. and Iran toward a ceasefire and renewed nuclear negotiations. A draft confidence-building plan would have Washington lift its naval blockade and release some Iranian funds in exchange for IAEA access to bombed nuclear sites, followed by reopening the strait and resuming talks on Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Negotiations remain stalled, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio citing little progress and unacceptable Iranian demands; Iran has reportedly conditioned talks on the U.S. meeting its own demands, including lifting sanctions, and has sent Washington a nuclear proposal through Qatar. Trump has favored diplomacy but has not ruled out further military action, while regional officials have emphasized de-escalation, secure shipping and energy supplies.