Washington: Indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran wrapped up in Qatar’s capital, Doha, with both sides signaling constructive discussions but offering little indication of a breakthrough on broader political disputes. The latest round of talks concentrated on implementing measures agreed under a temporary understanding, particularly the future of maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and the release of frozen Iranian assets.
Officials familiar with the negotiations said representatives from both countries met over two days through mediators, focusing on technical aspects of the interim arrangement rather than contentious issues such as Iran’s nuclear programme. The discussions were described as part of ongoing efforts to maintain stability following the ceasefire framework announced earlier.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said another round of talks is expected after the funeral ceremonies for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whose burial is scheduled for July 9. The ministry stated that the latest discussions reflected encouraging progress in implementing the ceasefire memorandum and built upon understandings reached during previous diplomatic engagements.
Speaking in Washington, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that negotiations were moving in a positive direction, particularly regarding concerns over Iran’s nuclear activities. However, diplomatic sources indicated that nuclear issues were not part of the Doha agenda, with the meetings instead focusing on practical measures linked to regional security and trade.
US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that discussions surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme would be addressed in future negotiations, describing the issue as a priority for the next phase of diplomatic engagement.
The talks were facilitated through Qatari and Pakistani mediators, with American and Iranian officials meeting separately. Senior US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had earlier been expected to participate, were absent from the latest sessions, according to people familiar with the matter.
Iran’s delegation, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, confirmed the conclusion of the meetings but did not disclose whether any significant differences had been resolved.
A major focus of the discussions remained the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors. Before the recent conflict, the narrow waterway handled nearly 20 per cent of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Although commercial traffic has gradually resumed, uncertainty persists following recent military exchanges in the region.
Iran has continued to maintain that it holds authority over the strategic passage and has indicated plans to introduce shipping tolls after a temporary toll-free period ends in mid-August. The proposal has raised concerns among international shipping operators and energy markets, given the waterway’s critical role in global trade.
Despite lingering tensions, President Trump suggested the risk of another large-scale military confrontation had diminished, saying recent diplomatic efforts had narrowed differences between the two countries.
Global energy markets reacted positively to the remarks, with crude oil prices falling to their lowest levels in four months as investors anticipated reduced geopolitical risks. Several market analysts also revised their price outlooks, citing expectations of improved regional stability.
Meanwhile, Iran’s state media reported that a foreign cargo vessel had become stranded in shallow waters outside the designated shipping channel, highlighting the operational challenges that continue to affect maritime traffic in the area.
European governments have offered assistance in securing the Strait of Hormuz, including support for mine-clearing operations. However, Germany indicated it is unlikely to take part, with Defence Minister Boris Pistorius pointing to the absence of sufficient cooperation from Tehran.
While the Doha meetings did not produce any major diplomatic breakthrough, they kept communication channels open between Washington and Tehran, leaving the door open for further negotiations in the weeks ahead.
