Qatar

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) held its 11th Board of Governors Annual Meeting in Doha, Qatar, on September 28-29, under the theme "Future Infrastructure: Impact and Innovation." Delegates discussed scaling up infrastructure investment and financing. China's Finance Minister Lan Fo'an attended via video, urging the bank to uphold multilateralism. The AIIB has approved over 400 projects with total financing approaching $80 billion, benefiting 43 members.

5 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 29, 12:20 PM UTC

Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the US lifts its naval blockade, ends oil sanctions, and unfreezes assets. US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal on September 26 but said on September 27 he expects more talks this week. Qatari mediators are shuttling between the sides in New York. The US has informed Iran it will not lift the maritime blockade, believing economic pressure will force concessions. Oil prices fell sharply on initial diplomatic hopes, then surged on the rejection.

52 reports · 19 sources · Updated Sep 28, 02:00 PM UTC

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Iran is fully prepared for a resumed war, even a "doomsday war," after President Trump rejected a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days. The proposal, conveyed via Qatar, required the US to lift its naval blockade, unfreeze $12 billion in assets, and end regional hostilities. Trump called the deal unacceptable, claiming Iran is "losing badly." Iran awaits a definitive US response through mediators.

103 reports · 25 sources · Updated Sep 28, 01:21 PM UTC

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan arrived in Doha on September 27 for an official visit, attending the 11th AIIB Annual Meeting and meeting with AIIB President Jin Liqun, Qatari Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, and business leaders. Chan welcomed AIIB’s plan to open a Hong Kong office, proposed cooperation in green finance and catastrophe bonds, and discussed mutual stock exchange recognition to facilitate dual listings. He promoted Hong Kong’s advantages under “one country, two systems” and invited Qatari investment in the Northern Metropolis and tech sectors.

11 reports · 8 sources · Updated Sep 28, 01:48 AM UTC

Qatar confirmed it is mediating indirect talks between the US and Iran, with multiple US officials expressing desire to reach an agreement. President Trump stated he is at a "decision-making stage" on Iran, not ruling out a meeting with Iranian President Pezeshkian. Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade, but the US rejected the proposal, questioning Iran's authority over the waterway. Technical consultations have reportedly begun in New York.

24 reports · 7 sources · Updated Sep 25, 04:04 PM UTC

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in New York on Monday to lead a delegation at the 81st UN General Assembly. En route, he stopped in Doha for consultations with Qatari officials on regional developments. Upon arrival, he spoke by phone with UN Secretary-General António Guterres. On the sidelines, Araghchi held separate meetings with the foreign ministers of Iraq, Pakistan, Austria, Portugal, Cyprus, and Brunei. No details on the content or outcomes of these talks were disclosed.

10 reports · 2 sources · Updated Sep 25, 04:30 AM UTC

Qatar has increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker transits through the Strait of Hormuz to the highest level in over two months, with at least two laden vessels exiting and two entering the Persian Gulf last week. One cargo is heading to India. Ship tracking data shows this is the most sustained recovery since early July, when a Qatari vessel was attacked. Current volumes remain below the pre-war average of about three tankers per day. European and Asian gas prices have surged to their highest since 2022 as winter demand approaches.

5 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 24, 09:10 AM UTC

Iran has conveyed a set of conditions to the United States through Qatari and Pakistani mediation, demanding an end to all hostilities, lifting of the naval blockade, unfreezing of assets, and non-interference in internal affairs as prerequisites for resuming negotiations. Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary stated the US must accept these terms to avoid further escalation, while Iran awaits a response from President Trump.

18 reports · 7 sources · Updated Sep 23, 03:34 PM UTC