Qatar warns against 'frozen conflict' in Gulf amid stalled US-Iran talks

Qatar cautioned on Tuesday against the risk of a prolonged stalemate in the Gulf, as US-Iran peace talks remained deadlocked and Washington reviewed a new Iranian proposal to ease restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz.

"We do not want to see a frozen conflict that ends up being thawed every time there is a political reason," Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari said at a press conference. Iran has restricted traffic through the strait since the outbreak of the US-Israeli offensive two months ago.

What is Qatar warning about regarding the Gulf conflict?

Qatar is warning that the Gulf risks settling into a "frozen conflict": a prolonged, unresolved standoff that neither fully ends nor escalates into renewed fighting, but periodically flares up for political reasons.

Al-Ansari said Qatar does not want to see a return to hostilities. The warning reflects Doha's concern that stalled negotiations could leave global energy markets and regional security in a state of indefinite uncertainty.

What is Iran's latest proposal to end the war?

Iran's proposal would phase out its restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting measures on Iranian ports, with broader negotiations continuing separately, including on Tehran's nuclear program.

US President Donald Trump met senior security officials on Monday to discuss the plan, which was conveyed through diplomatic channels via Pakistan. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed the proposal was "being discussed."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the proposal as more constructive than expected, but said any agreement must ensure Iran cannot advance toward a nuclear weapon.

Iranian defense ministry spokesman Reza Talaei-Nik, meanwhile, said Tehran expects Washington to abandon what he called "unrealistic demands," adding that Iran would not accept external pressure on its policy decisions.

How have Russia and Pakistan been involved in the peace effort?

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, visiting Moscow, blamed excessive US demands for the lack of progress in talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for a diplomatic resolution. Pakistan, which hosted the first round of US-Iran talks, had hoped to facilitate further negotiations, but no follow-up meeting has been confirmed. Trump has said Iran is free to initiate contact if it wants renewed dialogue.

Tehran has indicated that any future agreement would require guarantees against further military action by the US or Israel, as well as broader security assurances for the Gulf.

What is the economic impact of the Hormuz standoff?

The disruption to energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz has pushed up global prices and intensified economic pressure inside Iran. Residents in Tehran describe a sharp deterioration in daily life. "Everything is uncertain right now. Work has slowed down significantly," said Farshad, a small business owner. Another resident, Shervin, said rising costs had made it difficult to keep up with basic expenses.

The situation also poses political risks for Washington, where rising energy prices and an unresolved military standoff have drawn domestic scrutiny ahead of midterm elections in November. With negotiations stalled and no clear breakthrough in sight, Qatar and other regional actors have pressed for renewed diplomatic engagement to prevent a prolonged and unstable status quo in the Gulf.