Indirect talks between the United States and Iran concluded in Qatar without a major breakthrough, as negotiators focused on implementing elements of a temporary agreement rather than resolving broader disputes, including Tehran’s nuclear programme.
The two-day discussions in Doha centered on technical issues related to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the release of frozen Iranian funds, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. Both issues form part of an interim agreement announced two weeks ago that helped halt hostilities following months of conflict.
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said the discussions resulted in “positive progress” on matters linked to the memorandum that ended the fighting in June and built on previous talks held in Switzerland. The ministry added that another round of negotiations will take place after the funeral of Iran’s late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is scheduled to be buried on July 9.
The talks were conducted indirectly, with US and Iranian delegations meeting separately through Qatari and Pakistani mediators.
Iran’s delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who confirmed that the discussions had concluded. Neither side disclosed whether any of the remaining differences had been resolved.
Although US President Donald Trump told reporters that negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme were progressing well, sources familiar with the Doha meetings said the issue was not discussed during the latest round because the sessions focused on technical aspects of the interim agreement.
“The denuclearisation of Iran is moving along well,” Trump said. “They’ve had very good meetings, and we’ll see.”
US Vice President JD Vance acknowledged that nuclear issues would be addressed in future negotiations, saying Washington remains focused on preventing Iran from advancing its nuclear programme.
Officials also confirmed that Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner did not attend the Doha sessions despite earlier expectations of high-level participation.
A key issue remains the future of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. Before the conflict began, roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade passed through the strategic waterway.
While commercial shipping has partially resumed under the interim agreement, uncertainty remains over future access. Iranian officials continue to insist on international recognition of Tehran’s authority over the strait and have indicated they plan to introduce shipping tolls after a temporary toll-free period expires in mid-August.
Tensions remain high following recent exchanges in the region, including an Iranian attack on a cargo vessel and reports of a foreign container ship running aground outside an approved shipping lane.
Despite those concerns, financial markets responded positively to Trump’s comments, with oil prices falling to their lowest level in four months as investors grew more optimistic that diplomacy could prevent a return to full-scale conflict. Analysts said the next round of negotiations will be closely watched for signs of progress on both regional security and Iran’s nuclear programme.
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