Iran-US Indirect Talks Resume in Doha Amid Tensions Over Hormuz Strait and Lebanon Ceasefire

Doha, Qatar is hosting indirect technical talks on Wednesday between Iran and the United States, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, following a pause in direct negotiations that took place in Switzerland. Unlike previous rounds, no direct meetings between Iranian and US delegations are planned. Iran conditions a final agreement on implementing terms outlined in a memorandum of understanding, including a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Reports from the Wall Street Journal reveal that Iran's Revolutionary Guards warned mediators they might close the strategic Strait of Hormuz again unless Tehran receives guarantees of exclusive control. They also demand that the US and other countries abandon plans to use the southern shipping route near Oman. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff met separately with Qatari officials, including Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani, who reaffirmed Doha's commitment to mediation efforts. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai stated that the Iranian technical delegation is led by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi and emphasized that decisions are made collectively by Iranian institutions.

The negotiations cover Iran's nuclear program and the release of $12 billion in Iranian funds frozen in Qatar, which Tehran wants unfrozen for humanitarian purchases. Qatar's Foreign Ministry said no agreement has yet been reached to transfer the funds, but Iranian officials claim progress and expect access to the assets soon. Saudi media reported Iran may receive $3 billion of these funds by week's end, though this remains unconfirmed.

The dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route, triggered recent attacks and the relocation of talks to Doha. Iran's parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described recent incidents in the Persian Gulf as violations of the ceasefire and stated that free passage without fees would last only 60 days per the memorandum. Meanwhile, Oman has proposed charging shipping fees for passage, a plan reportedly under US review but opposed publicly by Washington. Qatar insists on safeguarding maritime navigation and opposes unilateral actions affecting freedom of passage.

Iran also links the US commitment to ending hostilities in Lebanon to the broader agreement. Ghalibaf said a joint US-Iran-Lebanon committee will oversee the ceasefire and restoration of Lebanese sovereignty. Iranian officials stress that the US must enforce Israel's compliance with ceasefire terms. These issues remain central to the ongoing indirect negotiations in Doha.