Indirect US-Iran technical talks in Doha concluded on Wednesday, with Qatar and Pakistan serving as mediators, producing cautious progress on issues linked to the June memorandum of understanding while leaving major disputes unresolved.
Reuters reported that the talks focused mainly on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the release of frozen Iranian funds. Sources familiar with the discussions said Iran’s nuclear programme did not come up during the technical sessions, despite US President Donald Trump saying progress was being made on denuclearisation.
US Vice President JD Vance said after an earlier round of talks in Switzerland that Iran had agreed to invite International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors back into the country. Iran has denied making new nuclear commitments, and the issue is expected to be addressed in later negotiations.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the Doha discussions made “positive progress” on issues related to the June memorandum and were building on earlier talks in Switzerland. It said the next round would take place after the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on July 9.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most sensitive points in the talks. Iran has insisted it should retain authority over traffic through the waterway, while the United States has pushed for safe and open passage. Qatar has said it is coordinating with Oman to help ensure shipping can move through the strait.
Shipping remains below normal levels. A report citing Kpler said 34 vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on June 30, showing that traffic has resumed but has not fully returned to pre-war levels.
US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner remain in Doha. The $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets held in Qatar stays untouched pending further progress.
