Iran Rejects Qatar's New Peace Draft to End US War, Gulf Plan Hinges on Hormuz Reopening in 4 Days

Iran has rejected new ideas presented by Qatari mediators aimed at ending the war with the United States, calling them "unacceptable," according to Reuters [5]. The rejection came after Qatar sent a delegation to Tehran as part of a diplomatic push to reduce rising tensions between Washington and Iran [1].

The Qatari visit was part of Doha's effort to ease the standoff, though Qatari officials did not give further details about the talks [1]. Qatar often acts as a mediator in the region, and the delegation's trip signaled fresh moves to calm a situation that has worried Gulf states and global markets [1].

Separately, Gulf states are working on a multipart peace deal to prevent what they see as a disastrous new war between Iran and the US [2]. The plan centers on reopening the Strait of Hormuz within four days of sanctions being lifted on Iran, and it also calls for the Houthis to withdraw substantial forces inside Yemen [2].

The US knows about the talks but is waiting for a concession, while European powers suggest this could involve Iran allowing United Nations weapons inspectors back into the country [2].

The diplomatic efforts have already affected global energy markets. Oil prices fell on renewed diplomatic efforts to end the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, as the push toward a negotiated end to the conflict eased concerns about supply disruptions and pulled crude prices lower [3].