Despite the escalation, why does Qatar talk about a “glimmer of hope” in the negotiations between America and Iran?

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Tuesday that there is a “glimmer of hope” in the ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran, which aim to reach an agreement to end the war with Iran. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al-Ansari, who is also an advisor to the Qatari Prime Minister, said that the mediators continue to “exchange proposals” with the aim of “bridging the gap” between the United States and Iran.

Al-Ansari previously wrote in a post on the “X” platform, Twitter: “The mediator cannot lose hope. Communications between the two parties have witnessed developments, but at this stage it is not possible to talk about any specific development.”

Al-Ansari pointed out that both sides showed commitment to the negotiation process and reviewing the proposals presented, despite the signs of escalation in the region. He considered this a "ray of hope" for reaching an agreement.

Al-Ansari added that a Qatari delegation went to Tehran on Monday and held “a lengthy meeting with its counterparts there that lasted about three hours.” He continued, saying: “During the meeting, views were exchanged regarding the various proposals currently on the table to bring the views closer between the two parties.”

Qatar has intensified mediation efforts in recent days, in an attempt to avoid renewed hostilities following the US midterm elections. Meanwhile, an American official said that the United States launched, overnight, what it described as “defensive” strikes on the Iranian island of Qeshm, targeting surface-to-air missiles used against American assets in the region.

Speaking about the possibility of escalating military operations, US President Donald Trump told Fox News on Tuesday: “I am not seeking... to kill large numbers of people,” but he added: “If we have to, we will.”