US, Iran Conclude Doha Talks Focused On Strait Of Hormuz

Iran and the United States wrapped up two days of indirect talks in Doha on Wednesday, with no clear sign of progress toward a lasting peace deal. Discussions centered on issues already addressed under an interim agreement reached two weeks earlier, mainly shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the release of Iran’s frozen assets. The next round of talks will resume after funeral processions for Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who will be buried on July 9, Next round of U.S.-Iran negotiations will be held on July 18..

Nuclear Program Left Off The Table

President Trump said talks on limiting Iran’s nuclear program, the original reason behind February’s war, were moving forward. However, sources said the nuclear issue did not actually come up during the technical discussions. Vice President JD Vance said that topic would be addressed at a later stage.

Strait Of Hormuz Remains Contested

The interim deal calls for shipping to resume through the strait. Iran has signaled it intends to assert control over the waterway and plans to start charging tolls in mid-August. Oil prices fell to a four month low after Trump downplayed chances of renewed war.