Qatar's Prime Minister Visits Tehran Amid US-Iran Tensions, White House Denies Talks

Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed Al Thani arrived in Tehran on Thursday to meet with Iranian officials and discuss ways to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated the visit is part of ongoing mediation and consultations between Iran and Qatar aimed at expanding and strengthening regional relations.

In response to inquiries about whether Al Thani carried a message from the Americans to Tehran's leadership, the White House told the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat that "there are no contacts or talks with Iran, nor are any planned." The White House also confirmed that the maritime blockade remains in place and economic operations continue to cut off funding sources for the Iranian regime.

Amid the heightened tensions, the British Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that an oil tanker was hit by an "unidentified projectile" in the Strait of Hormuz, causing a fire but no injuries or environmental damage. Meanwhile, Bloomberg reported that US allies believe the Strait of Hormuz remains mined, contradicting former President Donald Trump's claim that the US Navy had cleared all Iranian mines from the area.