Qatar says mediators make progress in efforts to end US-Iran war

DUBAI/WASHINGTON - Qatar said on Aug 4 that mediators were making progress in efforts to end the US-Iran war, driving oil prices lower, although Tehran has denied President Donald Trump’s assertion that talks are already under way.Benchmark Brent crude fell more than 5 per cent after the comments from Qatar, extending Aug 3’s steep losses on hopes that an arrangement could soon be reached to restore traffic through the blockaded Strait of Hormuz.But for now, the strait remained virtually shut, with another ship coming under attack while trying to cross it.Trump and Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed efforts to narrow differences between Washington and Tehran and improve the prospects for a lasting settlement during a phone call on Aug 4, Qatar’s Emiri office said.It sai