DOHA — The United States and Iran held indirect technical talks in Qatar on Wednesday as negotiators sought to advance an interim peace framework aimed at ending months of regional conflict, restoring secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and laying the groundwork for a broader agreement.
The discussions, conducted through Qatari and Pakistani mediators rather than face-to-face meetings, focused on implementing a memorandum of understanding reached last month following negotiations in Switzerland, according to diplomats and officials familiar with the process. The talks come after a fragile ceasefire was strained by renewed military exchanges in recent days.
A diplomat with knowledge of the negotiations said the technical sessions were intended to build on progress made during the Lake Lucerne summit and address practical aspects of the interim accord, including maritime security and mechanisms for implementing commitments already agreed by the two sides.
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner did not participate in the technical meetings. Instead, they met separately with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on Tuesday to prepare for the negotiations and discuss broader regional issues, according to officials.
Iranian officials reiterated that the Doha contacts were indirect, rejecting earlier suggestions by U.S. President Donald Trump that direct negotiations would take place. Tehran has maintained that any engagement with Washington would continue through mediators while technical issues are addressed.
The interim framework, brokered by Qatar and Pakistan, calls for a 60-day ceasefire following hostilities that erupted earlier this year, the reopening of commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and negotiations toward a comprehensive settlement that would also address Iran's nuclear program. Several provisions remain under discussion, including the handling of frozen Iranian assets and arrangements governing maritime traffic through the strategic waterway.
Speaking on Wednesday, Trump said relations with Iran were improving and described the Doha discussions as constructive. He said progress was being made toward restoring secure shipping and achieving a lasting ceasefire, while acknowledging that work remained before a final agreement could be reached. Iranian officials have not publicly endorsed that assessment but confirmed their participation in the mediated talks.
No joint statement was issued immediately after the technical meetings, and officials from both sides indicated that further discussions through mediators are expected as negotiators continue work on implementing the interim accord.
