DOHA — The United States and Iran reported progress after concluding a new round of indirect talks in Qatar, with mediators saying discussions advanced implementation of an interim agreement, although officials acknowledged that key issues required for a broader settlement remain unresolved.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry said the two-day negotiations in Doha produced "positive progress" on matters related to a memorandum of understanding reached last month that halted hostilities between the two countries. The ministry said further talks would resume after funeral ceremonies for Iran's late Supreme Leader, scheduled for next week.
The discussions were conducted indirectly through Qatari and Pakistani mediators, with negotiators focusing largely on maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and the release of frozen Iranian assets, according to sources familiar with the talks. Those issues formed part of the earlier agreement and were intended to support implementation of the ceasefire framework.
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters the negotiations were making progress, including on Iran's nuclear program.
"The denuclearization of Iran is moving along well," Trump said before departing Washington, adding that the meetings had been productive.
However, sources familiar with the Doha discussions said the technical talks did not directly address limits on Iran's nuclear activities, instead concentrating on previously agreed implementation measures. U.S. Vice President JD Vance indicated that nuclear issues would be taken up in future negotiations.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, who headed Tehran's delegation, confirmed the talks had concluded but did not announce a breakthrough. Iranian officials characterized the discussions as part of implementing the existing memorandum rather than negotiating a comprehensive new agreement.
The talks have been closely watched by global energy markets because of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world's seaborne oil passes. Oil prices fell on Thursday as traders interpreted the reported progress as reducing the immediate risk of renewed disruption to shipping and regional energy supplies.
Despite the positive tone from mediators, neither Washington nor Tehran announced a lasting political agreement, and officials on both sides indicated that substantial negotiations remain before broader issues—including Iran's nuclear program and longer-term security arrangements—can be resolved. The next round of indirect talks is expected after the completion of the funeral ceremonies in Iran, according to Qatar's Foreign Ministry.
