The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday edition that Pakistan announced on Tuesday that the United States and Iran were nearing a deal, with Qatar noting advanced talks on managing the Strait of Hormuz. A Reuters dispatch to The Globe reports that this development brings hope for resolving a stalemate affecting global oil and gas shipments, despite recent reports of new shipping attacks. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said "things are shaping up again in favour of a peace arrangement or a deal." He added, "The signals in the last two three days are that we are close to some sort of an arrangement." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi in Tehran on Tuesday, Mr. Araqchi's Telegram channel said, without providing further details. Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman told a briefing earlier on Tuesday that separate discussions between Oman and Iran over management of the Strait of Hormuz were at an advanced stage. Pakistan and Qatar have been the main mediators in the conflict. Oil fell back on Tuesday after hitting a one-week high earlier in trading although it remains much higher than before the war. Iran said on Sunday it was nearing a final pact with Oman.