DOHA: Iran and the United States wrapped up a recent round of indirect discussions on Wednesday, but there appeared to be no significant progress toward achieving lasting peace. Instead, the talks revisited topics that had already been addressed two weeks prior.
Negotiators spent two days in Doha focusing on maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and financial incentives for Iran. These areas are part of the initial agreement signed in June, rather than diving into the more challenging issues that the agreement was meant to address.
In Washington, President Donald Trump mentioned that the talks were making strides toward limiting Iran’s nuclear program, a key reason behind the conflict that erupted in February. “The denuclearization of Iran is moving along well,” he shared with reporters, expressing optimism about the discussions.
However, sources indicated that the nuclear issue did not come up during these talks, which were primarily technical. US Vice President JD Vance noted this subject would be revisited later, stressing the concern surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The two nations did not engage in direct meetings, instead communicating through mediators from Qatar and Pakistan. Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law, and top envoy Steve Witkoff, who were sent to the region for what was described as “high-level” discussions, were notably absent from these sessions.
Kazem Gharibabadi, the leader of Iran’s delegation and deputy foreign minister, confirmed that the talks concluded, but it remained unclear whether any differences were resolved.
Who controls the Strait?
The initial agreement allows for a return of shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route that carried about 20% of global oil and natural gas before the conflict began. Although some traffic has resumed, the conditions of this crucial waterway remain uncertain, especially after recent military exchanges between both sides.
Iran aims to gain international recognition of its authority over the strait, indicating that it might consider imposing shipping tolls starting in mid-August, once a toll-free period from the original agreement ends.
Trump downplayed the likelihood of a full-scale war, stating, “I think they’ve come a long way.” Following his comments, oil prices dipped to their lowest in four months, with analysts adjusting their price forecasts for the first time since the start of the conflict.
On the same day, Iranian state media reported that a foreign container ship had run aground outside the designated shipping route, highlighting ongoing issues in the area. “Hormuz continues to reopen, but it’s patchy, unpredictable, and not fully transparent,” noted Vandana Hari, founder of Vanda Insights, an oil market analysis firm.
Despite several European nations offering to help clear mines from the Strait, Germany’s defense minister, Boris Pistorius, stated his country is unlikely to participate due to Iran’s lack of cooperation with other nations.
