US, Iran prepare for Doha talks as mediators seek to ease tensions

TEHRAN: The United States and Iran are preparing for a new round of technical talks in Doha as mediators work to prevent further escalation following a weekend of retaliatory strikes that tested the fragile interim peace agreement between the two countries.

A source familiar with the discussions told Reuters that mediators have established communication channels to manage potential incidents and keep the ceasefire on track, with technical teams expected to continue negotiations in the Qatari capital in the coming days.

A senior Iranian official said a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday in Doha, where discussions will focus on de-escalating tensions and ensuring the security of the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump also confirmed the meeting in a social media post but did not disclose further details.

The talks follow a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran on June 17, ending four months of conflict. Under the agreement, both sides committed to halting hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

The accord also sets the stage for broader negotiations over the next 60 days on unresolved issues, including Iran’s nuclear programme, although both sides have offered differing interpretations of parts of the agreement.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday that $6 billion of Iranian assets frozen in Qatar would be released under the agreement, describing the development as a major victory for the Iranian people. An Iranian source said technical arrangements for the transfer are in their final stages, with the funds expected to be released in two instalments.

Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner will travel to Doha this week for high-level meetings alongside the technical negotiations. She said Washington remained committed to the ceasefire while warning that any further attacks would prompt a response.

Despite the diplomatic push, uncertainty remains. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said earlier on Monday that no technical meetings had been formally scheduled this week, while noting that consultations with Qatar on implementing the agreement were continuing.

The renewed talks come after several days of military exchanges, including an Iranian strike on a cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequent missile and drone attacks on US military sites in Kuwait and Bahrain, with both sides accusing each other of violating the interim ceasefire.

French President Emmanuel Macron also said France would work with Oman and international partners to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz to safeguard maritime traffic and ensure freedom of navigation.

The latest diplomatic efforts underscore attempts by regional and international mediators to preserve the ceasefire and prevent the broader conflict from escalating further.