The latest round of US Iran talks concluded in Doha, Qatar, with both sides focusing on maintaining stability in the Strait of Hormuz instead of discussing Iran’s nuclear programme. Although no major breakthrough was announced, officials described the discussions as constructive and confirmed that another meeting will take place after the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to officials familiar with the negotiations, representatives from the United States and Iran spent two days discussing the safe movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and the possible release of frozen Iranian financial assets. These issues are considered key parts of the temporary agreement reached earlier to reduce tensions following recent military conflict.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the Doha meetings achieved positive progress and helped advance commitments made under the ceasefire memorandum signed after the Switzerland summit. The ministry added that future negotiations are expected once funeral ceremonies for Ayatollah Khamenei conclude on July 9.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump expressed confidence that negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme would eventually move forward. Speaking to reporters in Washington, he said discussions regarding Iran’s denuclearisation were progressing well. However, sources involved in the Doha meetings clarified that nuclear issues were not part of this latest round, describing the talks as technical and focused on previously agreed matters.
Officials from Qatar and Pakistan acted as mediators, with American and Iranian delegations meeting separately. Senior US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner were not present during these discussions.
A major issue remains the future of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes for oil and liquefied natural gas. While commercial traffic has gradually resumed, uncertainty remains after recent military incidents in the region. Iranian officials have repeatedly stated that the country intends to strengthen its control over the strategic waterway and plans to introduce shipping tolls after a temporary toll free period ends in mid August.
Despite the lack of a final agreement, financial markets reacted positively. Oil prices fell to their lowest level in four months after President Trump’s optimistic remarks, reflecting growing hopes that diplomatic efforts could help prevent another regional conflict.
