WEB DESK: The United States and Iran met in Qatar on Wednesday for technical talks to secure lasting peace, restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and build on a recent ceasefire, sources familiar with the negotiations said.
The Doha talks, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, based on June 14-point interim agreement that paused a conflict started by US-Israeli strikes on Iran in February, opening 60 days for a permanent peace negotiation.
US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkof met with Qatar’s prime minister to prepare for talks but aren’t involved in technical discussions.
The ongoing talks are addressing key issues like managing the Strait of Hormuz and releasing $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets. The US seeks guaranteed commercial shipping through the strait, while Iran wants recognition of its control and authority to levy transit fees.
Shipping has partially resumed through the Strait of Hormuz, handling a fifth of the global oil and LNG trade pre-conflict, though uncertainty remains.
Iranian media reported a foreign container ship grounded outside designated shipping lanes.
The interim agreement follows military exchanges due to differing interpretations between Washington and Tehran.
Oil prices dropped over 1% as negotiations were monitored.
The agreement also aims to reduce tensions in Lebanon, with US-backed talks between Israel and Lebanon to resolve Hezbollah-related hostilities.
Sources note intensive diplomatic efforts on Lebanon continued until Tuesday evening.
Both nations face domestic pressure to avoid further escalation. President Trump aims to mitigate economic impacts before November midterms, while Iran faces public frustration over its economy.
