Iran and US Hold Indirect Talks in Doha Amid Hormuz Tensions
Iran and the United States concluded a round of indirect talks in Doha on Wednesday, following days of military strikes between the two countries over shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. The talks, mediated by Qatari officials, focused on the safe passage of ships through the strategic waterway and the release of frozen Iranian funds, according to Al Jazeera.
While no long-term peace breakthrough was reported, both sides discussed de-escalation channels to prevent further confrontation. The meetings come amid heightened tensions in the region, with both nations trading accusations over recent attacks on commercial vessels.
The US delegation was led by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. Iran sent Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who heads the country's technical team, while top officials such as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf did not attend.
The indirect format allowed both sides to communicate through Qatari mediators, avoiding direct face-to-face meetings. Analysts say the talks signal a mutual desire to avoid a broader conflict, though deep mistrust remains.
Key sticking points included the resumption of safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes, and the unfreezing of Iranian assets held in foreign banks. Tehran has demanded the release of billions of dollars in oil revenues as a precondition for further negotiations.
Neither side provided details on any concrete agreements, but a Qatari official described the atmosphere as 'positive and constructive.' Both delegations have since left Doha, with no date set for the next round.
