The indirect talks between Iran and the US through mediator concluded in Doha yesterday. According to a statement by the Qatari government, both sides agreed to continue discussions after the funeral ceremonies for Iran’s former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, on July 9. 

 

Talking to the media, US Vice President JD Vance said the Doha negotiations were progressing well, with technical-level discussions already underway. He said the next phase would focus on Iran’s nuclear programme and added that the talks were being held from a position of strength after recent US military action.

 

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the talks focused on the implementation of a 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Iran and Qatar also discussed using part of Iran’s frozen 6 billion US dollar in assets. According to Gharibabadi, the funds will be used to purchase essential goods needed by Iran through an agreed mechanism. Qatar said the next round of talks will be held as soon as possible after the funeral ceremonies.

 

The discussions also touched on tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran recently insisted that ships follow routes approved by its forces. The issue remains a major point of disagreement with the United States and Gulf countries.

 

US President Donald Trump said talks on Iran’s nuclear programme were progressing well and repeated that Iran would not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon. Iranian officials, however, said they did not hold direct talks with US representatives, with all communication taking place through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.