US and Iran Resume Indirect Technical Talks in Doha Amid Strait of Hormuz Tensions

Indirect technical negotiations between the United States and Iran are underway in Doha on Wednesday, facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan, involving senior negotiation teams and technical staff from both sides. According to a source familiar with the talks, US envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner met with Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to lay the groundwork for these discussions, though they are not participating directly in the talks themselves.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Dr. Majid Al-Ansari confirmed the US delegation's arrival in Doha to discuss regional issues including the Iran negotiations and the situation in Lebanon. He emphasized that no direct high-level political meetings between the US and Iran are taking place at this stage, only technical contacts through the agreed mediation mechanism. Al-Ansari noted that these technical talks have continued since the Lucerne summit, both directly and via mediators, with Qatar committed to maintaining the process.

A central focus of the talks is the Strait of Hormuz, following recent escalations where Iranian drones struck two commercial vessels. In response, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) launched two rounds of strikes on Iranian military targets, including missile storage sites, drone facilities, radar systems, communication infrastructure, air defense, and mine-laying capabilities. The US government accused Iran of violating the ceasefire and warned of military retaliation against any further threats to freedom of navigation.

Former President Donald Trump intensified his warnings to Tehran, stating that Iran "may never learn" and that the US would be forced to complete militarily the mission it started if violations continue. Trump reiterated the goal of dismantling Iran's nuclear program, asserting that Iran had agreed not to develop nuclear weapons.

Qatar seeks to prevent further deterioration, with Al-Ansari acknowledging that the Hormuz escalation has widened gaps between the parties but has not halted negotiations. He stressed that the strait is an international waterway and opposed any attempts to alter its status or restrict navigation. Doha coordinates daily with Oman and other regional states to ensure safe passage of vessels, especially after reports of naval mines and attacks on commercial ships. The initial phase of implementing the US-Iran understandings focuses on mine clearance and restoring security to shipping lanes.

Alongside these talks, discussions continue on security coordination mechanisms established after the Lucerne summit. The US administration has affirmed that no agreements have been canceled and that technical talks and coordination channels remain active to prevent further military escalation. The negotiations also occur amid progress in Lebanon, including a framework agreement signed last Friday between Israel and Lebanon, which Iran opposes due to its ties with Hezbollah.

Despite cautious optimism from mediators, neither side expects an immediate breakthrough. The Doha talks aim to address technical details of the memorandum of understanding, narrow core disagreements, and ensure the diplomatic channel remains open during heightened military tensions. Successful progress could pave the way for resuming high-level political talks in the coming weeks.