Strait of Hormuz remains on edge as Iran reports trio of damaged tankers

Peacemaking efforts have revolved around the future status of the strait, a US blockade on Iranian ports, sanctions on the Islamic Republic and a resumption of negotiations over Tehran's nuclear programme.

A senior Iranian official said this week that the two sides remain far apart.

Qatar said on Tuesday that the United States and Iran were committed to mediation efforts and were reviewing proposals aimed at bridging their differences, adding that there had been developments in talks with both sides.