DOHA — U.S. and Iranian negotiators have paused indirect talks for about a week to allow Iran to observe funeral ceremonies for former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, mediators said, temporarily halting diplomacy that both sides described as making progress despite major differences.
Qatari and Pakistani mediators said the negotiations would resume "at the earliest possible time" after the conclusion of the funeral commemorations, which began on Saturday and are scheduled to continue through July 9. The talks, held in Doha, have focused on de-escalating tensions following months of conflict as well as disputes over Iran's nuclear program, sanctions and regional security arrangements.
The pause came as Iran launched nationwide mourning ceremonies for Khamenei, drawing large crowds to Tehran and other cities. Iranian state ceremonies are expected to continue for several days before the late leader is buried, with authorities anticipating millions of participants.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that negotiations had been suspended during the mourning period, telling a July 3 Independence Day event that Washington had given Iran "a week off for a funeral" before talks resume. Trump also said Tehran wanted to reach a settlement, although he did not provide details on the negotiations.
Neither the White House nor Iran's Foreign Ministry announced a timetable beyond the mediators' statement that discussions would restart after the funeral rites.
The latest round of indirect negotiations followed earlier technical meetings aimed at preserving a fragile truce reached after weeks of military confrontation. Mediators have said recent sessions produced "positive progress," but acknowledged that substantial disagreements remain unresolved.
Officials have not disclosed details of the outstanding issues. Public statements from both governments indicate negotiations continue to cover Iran's nuclear activities, sanctions relief and broader regional security concerns.
The diplomatic pause coincides with heightened public emotion inside Iran as mourners gathered in Tehran, where crowds chanted slogans against the United States and Israel during the opening funeral ceremonies. Iranian authorities have portrayed the events as a demonstration of national unity following Khamenei's death.
Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan said they remain engaged with both delegations and intend to reconvene negotiations once the funeral observances conclude. No new meeting date has been officially announced.
