Qatar is hosting a new round of indirect discussions between the United States and Iran as both sides seek to advance the implementation of a recently agreed memorandum of understanding aimed at easing tensions across the Middle East.
Iran confirmed that a delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi would meet Qatari mediators in Doha on Wednesday. However, Tehran denied claims by US President Donald Trump that direct negotiations between Iranian and American officials would take place.
Qatar also clarified that no direct or high-level meeting between the two countries had been scheduled. Instead, Qatari officials are acting as intermediaries, continuing their longstanding role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran.
On Tuesday, US envoy Steve Witkoff and presidential adviser Jared Kushner met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Doha. According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, the discussions covered negotiations involving Iran as well as developments in Lebanon.
One of the main issues under discussion is the implementation of provisions related to the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route that remains central to regional energy security. The memorandum includes measures aimed at restoring normal maritime traffic through the waterway after recent security incidents disrupted commercial shipping.
Iran has also held separate consultations with Oman regarding the future management of vessel transit through the strait.
Another priority for Tehran is the release of financial assets frozen under US sanctions. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said the process to unfreeze the funds was progressing, adding that $6 billion is expected to be released from a total of $12 billion in restricted assets. Iranian officials said the issue would be part of discussions with Qatari mediators.
The talks come after days of heightened tensions in the Gulf, where both sides exchanged military strikes following the signing of the agreement. The United States said it targeted Iranian military sites in response to attacks on commercial shipping, while Iran reported retaliatory strikes against US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain.
Despite those incidents, hostilities have eased in recent days ahead of the Doha meetings.
Iranian negotiators said discussions would also address developments in Lebanon, where fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has largely subsided. Tehran continues to insist that any broader agreement should include an end to the conflict and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
The Doha meetings are expected to focus on ensuring both sides uphold their commitments under the memorandum while addressing remaining issues that could affect its implementation.
