The United States and Iran are continuing indirect talks in Doha, Qatar. Recent military clashes in the Strait of Hormuz have weakened the momentum for negotiations. However, both sides are reactivating mediation channels, bringing discussions on the implementation of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) back to the forefront.
On June 30, U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Wittekopf and Jared Kushner met with Qatari officials in Doha, according to reports from Bloomberg and other outlets.
A senior U.S. official stated, "Both sides engaged in positive discussions," adding that there had also been progress in separate working channels.
Qatar has expressed its commitment to continue its mediating role. The Qatari Foreign Ministry announced, "We will support all dialogue avenues for the implementation of the MOU between the U.S. and Iran," though it did not disclose specific details of the discussions.
The current contacts are being conducted through indirect negotiations. The Qatari Foreign Ministry clarified that there are no plans for high-level talks between the U.S. and Iran. The Iranian Foreign Ministry also denied any plans for discussions with the U.S. in the coming days.
Iran is focusing on the release of frozen funds. The Iranian Foreign Ministry stated, "We will discuss the implementation of the MOU with Qatar on July 1," which includes provisions for the release of Iran's frozen assets. Reports indicate that the issue of at least $6 billion in frozen Iranian funds is a major point of contention.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz also presents complications. Iran maintains that the MOU allows for free passage only for 60 days. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, stated in a television interview, "The Strait of Hormuz is Iranian territorial waters, and Iran will not relinquish its rights to the strait under any circumstances."
Iran is also keeping open the possibility of imposing a 'service fee' for passage through the Strait, effectively suggesting a toll. The U.S. and Western nations oppose the idea of charging fees for international waterways. The management of the strait after the 60-day negotiation period could become a new flashpoint for conflict.
Conflicts surrounding the removal of mines continue as well. Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister of Iran, dismissed the possibility of European countries, including France, participating in mine removal efforts. He stated, "Mine removal will only be carried out by Iran, and we will not allow foreign intervention."
The Doha talks are significant as they indicate that the U.S. and Iran have not completely shut down their negotiation channels. However, no direct meetings have taken place, and the differences over frozen funds, rights of passage in the Strait of Hormuz, and mine removal remain unresolved. It is still unclear whether the renewed negotiation flow following the MOU will lead to a final agreement.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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