Qatar claims progress in negotiations with Iran; Marco Rubio responds sharply
According to Channel 14 Israel, following the Qatari Prime Minister's meeting with Donald Trump at the White House, Ibrahim Al-Hashimi, spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, reported positive responses from both Iran and the US. Saudi media sources have claimed that a Qatari-Pakistani proposal includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the naval blockade, the return of IAEA inspectors, and the unfreezing of $6-9 billion in Iranian assets. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at the G7 meeting in Paris, stated that Washington will continue to impose 'devastating' economic costs on Iran. Diplomats present noted that Rubio used harsh language to describe Iranian authorities. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has stated he plans to pause new military strikes against Iran for now but will maintain the naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.