US and Iran Prepare to Resume Nuclear Talks in Qatar Aiming to Ban Enriched Uranium Possession
Negotiations between the United States and Iran are expected to resume in Doha, Qatar, despite previous denials, as both sides seek to de-escalate recent tensions. On Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff briefed members of the US Congress via a phone call regarding the memorandum of understanding. According to Politico, Witkoff and Rubio emphasized that the goal of the talks is a final agreement that completely prohibits Iran from possessing enriched uranium.
During the hour-and-fifteen-minute call, Democratic senators, led by Chuck Schumer, expressed skepticism about the financial benefits Iran might gain, noting that the administration admitted Iran would earn billions from oil sales while maintaining leverage in the Strait of Hormuz. Republican senators voiced concerns that a proposed $300 billion recovery fund could finance Iranian proxies and terrorism. The administration assured that Iran has not yet received any funds and that no direct US money would be transferred.
The US government explained delays in reopening the Strait of Hormuz due to the need for mine clearance and revealed that Iran violated the memorandum by launching a drone at a passing ship over the weekend. Democrats also criticized potential conflicts of interest involving Witkoff's private business dealings during the negotiations. Reports from Qatar indicate that Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Doha to continue talks.
An Iranian official told Reuters the discussions will focus on managing the Strait of Hormuz and mechanisms to prevent escalation, differing from previous talks held in Switzerland. Concurrent technical talks are expected between Iranian delegates and representatives from Qatar and Pakistan. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian tweeted that any agreement requires mutual commitment, emphasizing rationality and respect in decision-making while maintaining firm defense.
President Trump confirmed Iran requested the meeting, following US officials' statements that technical talks would continue across all memorandum areas after both sides agreed to a ceasefire. White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt told Fox News that Witkoff and Kushner will fly to Doha to negotiate, warning Iran that ceasefire violations would be met with force. She highlighted that a successful peace process could lower fuel prices, while renewed Iranian hostility would isolate the country and risk conflict with the US military. The ceasefire remains in effect after recent escalations, including US strikes on Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian retaliatory attacks on US interests in the region.
